An SAS soldier accused of stealing and unlawfully possessing a range of Defence Force property, including Semtex, says he didn't know the items were owned by the Army.
The 29-year-old, who has name suppression, has pleaded not guilty to most of the charges at a court martial at Papkura Military Camp.
Prosecution lawyer Captain Mike Mercer told the court on Wednesday the soldier tried to sell items, including a gun's cocking handle and a pistol holster, to a gun shop in Auckland.
The soldier also faces charges of unlawfully possessing ammunition and failing to comply with military written orders by having Defence Force property in his garage, including a block of the plastic explosive Semtex.
His lawyer, Melinda Mason, told the court her client was not aware that the items he attempted to sell were Army property.
Ms Mason said he had personal items identical to the ones in question, and was very clear that what he was selling were his own and not military property.
The soldier has pleaded guilty to a charge of being found with the rifle.
