Story perspectives

New Zealand Soldier Faces Appeals Over Espionage Sentence

10/31/2025

49 11

Summary

Story summary

A New Zealand soldier pleaded guilty to attempted espionage and received a two-year sentence at the Services Corrective Establishment (SCE).
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) appealed the sentence, claiming it was inadequate to deter future offenses.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Goguel stated the soldier "betrayed his oath of allegiance" and called for a harsher penalty.
The soldier's lawyer, Steve Winter, argued that military detention is a significant deterrent.
The appeal court has reserved its decision, and the case has been ongoing since the soldier's arrest in 2019.

1 of 1

Story summary

A New Zealand soldier pleaded guilty to attempted espionage and received a two-year sentence at the Services Corrective Establishment (SCE).
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) appealed the sentence, claiming it was inadequate to deter future offenses.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Goguel stated the soldier "betrayed his oath of allegiance" and called for a harsher penalty.
The soldier's lawyer, Steve Winter, argued that military detention is a significant deterrent.
The appeal court has reserved its decision, and the case has been ongoing since the soldier's arrest in 2019.