Zane Ray Collins (21) appeared for sentence in the Invercargill District Court yesterday on 14 charges including possession of a sawn-off pump-action shotgun, possession of methamphetamine and assault with intent to injure.
The offending took place between September 28 and October 22.
Judge Duncan Harvey said police went to Collins’ home on October 7 to execute a search warrant after a shooting at the property.
"I hasten to add you were not involved in that [shooting]," Judge Harvey said.
During the course of the search, police found a cut-down .22 modified pump-action shotgun with a pistol grip and 33 rounds of ammunition belonging to Collins.
On two further occasions Collins was found with methamphetamine and drug utensils, electric scales and ammunition.
It was while on remand at Invercargill Prison, on October 22, that Collins assaulted another man also on remand, round-kicking him in the head.
The kick forced the victim’s head backwards, causing it to strike a brick wall with force.
"Not content with this, the defendant again walked up to the victim who was still seated on the bench and unleashed a flurry of no less than 20 punches to the head and body," the summary of facts says.
The assault was viewed by corrections staff but it was another prisoner who stopped Collins’ barrage on the victim.
In explanation, counsel Tanya McCullum said that when Collins was first remanded in prison he was taken off his medication, which he was now back on.
"He feels a lot better in himself since that has happened."
Judge Harvey said he was worried by Collins’ violent offending.
"You’ll kill someone.
"That sawn-off pistol really worries me because there is only one use for it and that is to commit criminal offences."
Judge Harvey sentenced Collins to 23 months’ jail. He did not grant him leave to apply for home detention.
