MediaWorks warned over Story's gun item

  • 02/03/2016
(Story)
(Story)

Police have decided not to lay charges over an item on TV3's Story programme last year in which a firearm was purchased online.

A number of MediaWorks staff have been warned, and the Story team has apologised to Gun City, the store at the centre of the item, and its owner David Tipple.

"The intention behind the story was to put a spotlight on an issue rather than any one individual business," a MediaWorks spokesperson says in a statement.

"Story regrets any impact that may have inadvertently been caused to Mr Tipple as a result of the story."

Superintendent Richard Chambers says there is no evidence to suggest obtaining the firearm was for "a sinister purpose".

He says police are aware of suggestions the television item was "in the public interest" and shouldn't have been investigated.

"The public interest test does not determine whether Police should commence a criminal investigation or not.

"Police view this case as no different to any other matter where criminal offending is disclosed."

Following the item, which aired in October, police were quick to close the highlighted loophole.

Newshub.