An Invercargill man whose childhood environment was one of domestic violence and neglect would need to leave the Mongrel Mob if he was committed to turning his life around, a judge said yesterday.
Judge Kevin Phillips said at a previous court appearance that Mulligan was pulled over by police after a member of the public complained about his driving.
When his car was inspected, police found 103g cannabis oil, 0.36g of methamphetamine, a modified shotgun and 17 rounds of ammunition.
"The modified shotgun raises alarm bells."
Yesterday, Judge Phillips said Mulligan had told one pre-sentence report writer he was given the shotgun and was probably going to bury it somewhere, keep it for a future day or not use it at all. Other reports provided to the court for sentencing stated Mulligan would use the gun for sporting pursuits.
Mulligan’s lawyer, Sonia Vidal, said her client had grown up in an environment of neglect and domestic violence which led to his disengagement with society and that was the nexus his offending.
He had found his family in the Mongrel Mob, which Mulligan identified as being loyal and devoted.
She said Mulligan was now beginning to understand the impacts drug taking was having on his life.
However Judge Phillips disagreed, saying while Mulligan’s upbringing was mitigating, he did not agree it was at the heart of Mulligan’s offending.
He also agreed with a report writer’s views on Mulligan’s Mongrel Mob association, saying until he realised he needed to leave the gang, he would not be able to address his drug issues or antisocial behaviour.
He sentenced Mulligan to 18 months’ jail and gave him leave to apply for home detention but only to go to a rehabilitation facility.
