Man Escapes Conviction Over Emergency Gear in Car

A 30-year-old Tauranga man with a fascination for emergency services has been discharged without conviction after illegally keeping ambulance lights and sirens, as well as police equipment, installed in his own vehicle, RNZ reported.

According to a report by RNZ, the man, who worked as an auto-electrician for a contractor to Hato Hone St John, was provided with a siren and light unit for work purposes. However, after completing the job and moving to a different role, he failed to return the equipment and instead fitted it to his own car.

Police later executed a search warrant earlier this year and discovered the siren and lights, along with a police-issued tyre deflation device (spike), an obsolete police notebook, and a defective vehicle order book (green-sticker book). The items prompted charges of theft by a person in a special relationship and possession of police property, to which the man pleaded guilty.

At his sentencing in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday, defence lawyer Michael Douglas argued that the equipment had come into his client’s possession unintentionally and was treated as “memorabilia” linked to his long-standing interest in emergency services. He sought a discharge without conviction, warning a criminal record could unfairly damage future employment opportunities, RNZ reported.

According to RNZ, Judge Stephen Coyle expressed concern about the potential misuse of police equipment, particularly the road spikes. He noted it was “frankly concerning” that such items were left accessible to the public and questioned why the man had not returned them to the police immediately.

RNZ quoted, A psychologist’s report revealed the man intended to use the ambulance lights in situations such as car crashes or fallen trees, believing he could act as a “good Samaritan” by warning other motorists. Judge Coyle said the man’s behaviour reflected a “warped view of his hobby” rather than criminal dishonesty.

Given the risk of severe consequences on his mental health, including evidence of suicidal thoughts, and concerns about ongoing online harassment, the judge ruled that a conviction and public identification would cause disproportionate hardship.

The man was discharged without conviction and granted permanent name suppression.