30 Oct 2025

Appeal into stronger sentence for spying soldier kicks off

From Checkpoint, 4:35 pm on 30 October 2025

Should the clanging of prison gates replace the rigour of military detention for a soldier who tried to spy on New Zealand? That's the decision a panel of three judges will now grapple with after a day of appeals in Wellington. The Court Martial Appeals Court is deciding whether the sentence imposed on the soldier for attempted espionage is too light; whether he can be named; and if Radio New Zealand should be allowed to appeal against a further suppression ruling. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham spoke to Lisa Owen.