Whanganui man admits selling illegal firearm to gang member

A man admitted possessing a rifle, ammunition and cannabis when he appeared in the Whanganui District Court.

A Whanganui man admitted selling an illegal firearm to a gang member after police conducted a warranted search of his property.

Harry David Wilson pleaded guilty to six charges of possessing an illegal firearm, ammunition and cannabis.

Senior Sergeant Drew Morrison said that on March 6 Wilson went into a Whanganui hunting shop to inquire about a magazine for a 0.22 calibre rifle.

"The defendant then produced a 0.22 calibre long rifle which he retrieved from under the passenger seat of the vehicle he arrived in.

"He bought the magazine to fit the rifle, paid in cash and left the store, placing it back under the passenger seat," Mr Morrison said.

Because Wilson had no firearms licence, the police conducted a warranted search of his property on March 22.

Bullets and shells used for the firearm were located on the search but no firearm.

After the police discovered four cannabis plants, 1.2 metres high each, and cannabis leaf weighing 130.76 grams, Wilson admitted to all allegations.

In the police summary of facts Wilson's explanation was: "The cannabis is mine for personal use. I did have an illegal firearm but I sold it to a gang member. I knew it was an illegal firearm."

Judge Phillip Cooper said there was no lawful reason for a weapon like that to be in Wilson's possession.

"The fact it was sold to a gang member is a very serious aspect of the matter, " Judge Cooper said.

Judge Cooper convicted Wilson of all charges and remanded him on bail for a sentencing on September 27.