district court logo

R v Stokes [2018] NZDC 15136

Published 05 April 2019

Sentencing — possession of methamphetamine for supply — unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition — possession of cannabis. The defendant appeared for sentencing on charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a pistol, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of cannabis. The total amount of methamphetamine recovered from a search of the defendant's address was 9.39 grams, and 15.71 grams of cannabis, the pistol and four rounds of ammunition were all located in his bedroom. The Judge had given a previous sentencing indication of three years and 11 months' imprisonment, on the basis of a four year starting point with uplifts for the non-drug offending and a discount of 15 percent for a guilty plea. No change was made at sentencing. The final sentence for the lead charge of possession of methamphetamine for supply was three years and 11 months' imprisonment, with the remaining charges to be served concurrently. An order was made for the forfeiture of over $12,000 that was recovered, and the destruction of the firearm and ammunition. The defendant's outstanding hours of community work were cancelled given the sentence imposed. Judgment Date: 24 July 2018.