Benson Conrad Jefferey, 43, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier admitting charges of displaying gang insignia, possessing cannabis and three charges of disqualified driving.
The court heard that on December 13, the defendant was driving towards Clyde and was stopped by police.
He was wearing a shirt with the number 88 on it which is known to be gang insignia associated with the Head Hunters.
Jefferey said he was not part of the gang but had an associate who raced in the Head Hunter drag wars.
He loved the event and that was why he had the T-shirt, he said.
His vehicle was impounded.
Police noticed a "strong smell of cannabis" and the defendant told them he had about an ounce of the drug in the car.
This prompted police to search the vehicle. They discovered a glass jar with 31g of cannabis.
Another of Jefferey’s disqualified driving charges came after he drove his Harley Davidson motorcycle to his court appearance.
Judge David Robinson reminded Jefferey that the penalties would increase if he continued to display gang insignia.
Judge Robinson also had to re-sentence Jeffrey on drug-related charges after only part of the original home detention sentence was completed due to poor health.
The judge noted Jefferey had been in custody for five months pending sentencing.
He sentenced Jefferey to four months’ home detention and ordered the T-shirt and cannabis be forfeited to the Crown.
Judge Robinson disqualified the defendant from driving for 12 months.
