TWO mates who said they found four firearms wrapped in a crocheted blanket in the bush while pig-hunting have been sentenced to a stint in prison.
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Benjamin John Presbury, 25, was jailed for three-years-and-three-months, while Zachary Steven Janezic, 26, was sentenced to two-years-and-six-months in the district court.
The pair were driving on the outskirts of Narrabri in April last year when they were pulled over by police.
The officers conducted a search of the car using a drug squad dog. In the back seat were plenty of suitcases and a number of firearm barrels poking out of a crocheted blanket.
The offenders later told police they found the guns under the blanket in bushland while they were out pig-hunting, and didn't bring them to police because they were concerned they wouldn't be believed.
An esky in the back of the car was devoid of beer, instead officers found a red locked box and a quantity of cannabis. A butterfly flick knife was also found in one of the suitcases. Both men were arrested.
When police got back to the station they searched the esky and found 133.3 grams of cannabis; cannabis seeds; 1343 rounds of .22 ammunition; 13 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun shells; and 15 rounds of 410-gauge shotgun shells.
That was along with $4095 and another $535 in Presbury's wallet. Four firearms were found in the blanket.
History does not support him though, but one hopes that he has the strength, together with the assistance that is to be provided by his mother, to realise his ambitions.
- Judge James Bennett
Janezic was charged with possession of the four firearms only as he didn't have a licence or permit for them.
In sentencing, Judge James Bennett said he believed Janezic was sincere in wanting to change his life.
"History does not support him though, but one hopes that he has the strength, together with the assistance that is to be provided by his mother, to realise his ambitions," he said.
"Time will tell, although I could not hold his prospects to be good or strong, I am satisfied that they are sincerely held wishes as expressed to me."
Presbury was charged with the possession of more than three unregistered firearms and ammunition, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
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He was also charged with having a flick knife, drug possession for the cannabis, and the seeds. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
As a result, he breached two community corrections orders and two conditional release orders. Presbury will be eligible for parole in December.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
