DISGRACED POLICEMAN JAILED ON DRUG CHARGES

Levin: Disgraced Levin policeman Leon Gary Pigott (29) was yesterday jailed for 18 months on drugs dealing and possession charges.

Pigott was caught in a drugs sting operation using undercover officers in June.

Pigott, who grew up in Horowhenua, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing cannabis for supply and two of selling cannabis.

Last week, in the Palmerston North District Court, Judge Barry Lovegrove declined to sentence Pigott because the maximum penalty he could impose was a year in jail.

Pigott had been caught in possession of eight ounces of cannabis.

A Levin woman was arrested at the same time as Pigott, in July, but charges were later withdrawn and her name was suppressed.

Pigott's uncle, Michael James Vinsen (48), of Longburn, Palmerston North, was also charged with possessing cannabis, offering to sell cannabis and two charges of selling cannabis. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five months' periodic detention.

Central Districts police commander Mark Lammas said at the time the cannabis had not been taken from police stocks after being seized from criminals.

Police in Horowhenua were reportedly shocked and angered by Pigott's arrest. Police said they felt their former colleague had let them down and harmed public confidence in them.

Pigott came from a farming background in Shannon and was believed to have been a keen pig hunter who spent much time in the Tararua Ranges.

He had earlier been stationed in Levin for several years.

It had earlier been speculated the undercover sting operation had involved another police officer but this was later discounted by police management.