Alleged Tauranga vigilantes granted bail

The men appeared in the Tauranga Community Magistrate Court in the Tauranga courthouse. Photo / George Novak

Two men accused of committing serious assaults and posting videos of them have been granted interim name suppression.

The pair are among three men arrested by police investigating a Tauranga-based online vigilante group allegedly targeting people attempting to contact minors online, police said in a statement on Wednesday.

An Auckland 19-year-old and Tauranga 18-year-old appeared in the Tauranga Community Magistrate Court this afternoon and did not enter pleas.

The pair face two joint charges each relating to two separate complainants.

Each is charged with assault with intent to injure and posting videos of themselves assaulting the two complainants with intent to cause serious emotional distress. The incidents are alleged to have happened in Mount Maunganui this month.

The Tauranga man also faces a charge of posting a further digital communication “publicising” a claim a third complainant was on the child sex offenders register with intent to cause him serious emotional distress.

The assault charges carry a maximum sentence of three years in jail under the Crimes Act. The digital communication charges are laid under Section 22 of the Harmful Digital Communications Act and have a maximum sentence of two years’ jail or a $50,000 fine.

Defence lawyers Rachael Adams and Julia Fyers argued the men should be granted bail with strict conditions until their next appearance on September 24.

Police prosecutor Stephanie Tattersell said police opposed bail.

Community Magistrate Rosemary Fitzpatrick granted the men bail with strict conditions including curfews, bans on using internet-capable devices and an order to surrender their passports.

Tattersell applied for interim name suppression for both men, which was approved.

The police statement said the third man arrested was appearing in the Counties Manukau District Court yesterday.

Investigators have not ruled out further charges and continue to investigate the alleged actions of the group.

Police want to hear from anyone allegedly targeted by the group or with knowledge of the group.

Information can be provided by calling 105, or making an online report via the 105 website and referencing case number 240807/4750.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.