Dunedin District Court
A POLICE search of his Musselburgh studio just before Christmas brought a Dunedin tattooist to court on three Arms Act charges and a drug charge.
Harley Richard Brown (52) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday and admitted unlawfully possessing a homemade pistol, a homemade rifle, and ammunition; and possessing 4g of cannabis.
Judge Michael Turner remanded him for sentence on May 4.
Prosecutor Sergeant Adrian Cheyne said Brown was present when police arrived with a search warrant, on December 23. Found in a pocket of a leather jacket worn by Brown was a homemade revolver with two .22 calibre bullets in the barrel.
A .22 homemade rifle was secreted beneath a work bench.
Attached to Brown’s key ring were another three .22 bullets. There was a 9mm bullet in the studio and, on a work bench, about 4g of cannabis in a sealed container.
Brown said he had no excuse for having the loaded pistol, rifle and ammunition. And he said he was a recreational smoker of cannabis. The amount found was given to him by clients as partpayment for tattooing or future tattooing.
Other convictions
Kayla Aimee Gush (19), drinkdriving, 664mcg, Pukekohe, about 12.30am, January 24, fined $650, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
Josie Annette Campbell (45), employed, of Mosgiel, drinkdriving, 597mcg, Gordon Rd, Mosgiel, about 12.30am, January 22, fined $600, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
Cole John Raika (27), diesel mechanic, of Dunedin, driving with a sustained loss of traction (skidded for three or four seconds upon leaving intersection, counsel Sarah SaundersonWarner said he recently bought vehicle and misjudged its power), September 12, 8.55pm, Portsmouth Dr, fined $750, court costs $130, six months’ disqualification.
John Douglas Alexander (50), of Dunedin, breaching prison release condition (did not comply with special condition not to associate with the victim of his offending), December 1, six months’ jail (six months’ standard and special release conditions to follow).
Keri Rawina Wano (28), of Dunedin, Crimes Act assault (judge said argument between Wano and her partner over minor matter; Wano scratched him in face, punched him twice in head; Wano said angry with him), about 9am, November 26, 80 hours’ community work, nine months’ supervision (to undergo any counselling, programme or treatment for domestic violence and alcohol/ drugs). Public defender Sophia Thorburn said Wano and partner wanted to continue their relationship.
Danney Brinkley (52), electrician, of Dunedin, assaulting a female (victim poured a glass of water over Brinkley’s head while he was asleep, he followed her to the kitchen and punched her in the nose), December 17, fined $1000, court costs $130.
Anthony Darren Hillerby (25), employed, of Dunedin, cultivating cannabis (12 plants growing under specialty lights in garage, three mature, welltended; others smaller seedlings), September 16, 300 hours’ community work, fined $750, court costs $130, six months’ supervision.