The Independent Police Conduct Authority's satisfied a Nelson Police officer acted legally in July last year when shooting a man who was hiding in a basement

A 35-year-old man told Police who were waiting outside the basement that he
had a gun and would shoot them.

When the man came out he brandished what appeared to be a gun, so a police
officer fired his rifle, hitting the man in the elbow.

Investigations found there was no gun, however, and the man was holding
kindling wrapped in a singlet.

IPCA authority chair judge Colin Doherty says based on the threats made, and
the belief the man was carrying a firearm, the officer was within his rights to
shoot to defend himself and his colleague.

The man's serving a two year, three month sentence.