Backpacker held at gunpoint

A tourist staying at a Nelson backpacker hostel said he feared for his life while being held up at gunpoint.

Nelson man Dru Robert Smith, 29, appeared in the Nelson District Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced on charges of aggravated burglary and common assault. He had earlier pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary charge.

The victim, a French-Canadian tourist, was watching Netflix in his cabin at Paradiso Backpackers on July 21 last year when he heard a knock on the door about 11.40pm. When he opened the door, Smith rushed in and pushed a pistol into his back, saying, ‘‘You owe me money, give me your money’’.

The victim said he initially froze and feared for his life. He then grabbed Smith’s wrists, pushed him on to the bed and fled, yelling for someone to call the police.

After he found the manager, they returned to the cabin, meeting Smith and an unknown associate on their way there.

The victim grabbed Smith, fearing that he still had the gun. Smith said words to the effect of, ‘‘I f .... d up, I owe them money’’.

When the victim returned to his room, he found that his laptop had been taken.

When police arrived to arrest Smith, they found that the pistol was a BB gun.

Smith pleaded guilty to a separate charge of common assault, after an incident last December.

Defence lawyer Steven Zindel focused on Smith’s personal circumstances, saying his recent marriage and voluntary commitment to a drug treatment programme showed a willingness to change.

Judge Peter Hobbs said that while it would have been a terrifying experience for the victim, he gave Smith a sentencing discount for his guilty plea, steps to address his drug issues, and enrolment in tertiary study. He said that while Smith’s offending was ‘‘undoubtedly serious’’, he was satisfied with the steps he had taken ‘‘towards a better future’’.

Smith was sentenced to six months’ community detention and 12 months’ intensive supervision, and ordered to pay $1700 reparation to the victim for the stolen computer.