City centre destructive rampage ‘a cry for help’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A man admitted causing about $17,000 damage to central city businesses during several incidents in which he was unwell and unmedicated and described as being on a “rampage”.

The offending was a cry for help from Raani Ratahi, 36, counsel Lawyer Mark Sceats said at Ratahi's sentencing in Gisborne District Court on Friday.

Ratahi was homeless and isolated, using illicit drugs, wasn't taking his medication and had disengaged from mental health services when he smashed windows of businesses and damaged other items of their property last year — on February 25, June 6, June 23, and June 27.

Three mental health reports had been carried out but he was ultimately found fit to plead. Sentencing him for 18 charges of wilful damage — one of which was reduced from burglary — Judge Turitea Bolstad accepted Mr Sceats' submissions.

It was clear Ratahi had ongoing health issues. Reports confirmed it, as did his history, the judge said.

His personal circumstances were such that he was calling out for help and had resorted to this behaviour. Each incident seemed to have involved him being triggered by something then going on a “rampage”, Judge Bolstad said.

While his offending was generally lower end, it had affected a lot of people.

She imposed seven months imprisonment — time served for Ratahi, who had been that long on remand in custody. Reparation sought totalled about $17,000 but the judge didn't impose it. She said Ratahi had no means to pay.

She told Ratahi: “The best thing you can do to repay those victims is to keep yourself well. That's how you pay them back.”

During the hearing the judge voiced her concerns about releasing Ratahi back into the community and wanted to know he would be sufficiently supported.

Mr Sceats said there was a gap in the system that sadly affected many people, including Ratahi.

In the prison environment there was oversight to ensure he took his medication regularly but once released he would not be under the umbrella of the Mental Health Act, and it would be up to him to engage with community mental health services.

The probation service had no ability to force Ratahi to get medical assistance.

A representative from Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou's Out of Gate service, who was in court for the sentencing, said he would personally take Ratahi under his wing and ensure he got to CMHS (community mental health services).

There was the prospect of accommodation for him at Forrester House, beside Gisborne Hospital.

Judge Bolstad reminded Ratahi that although there were people who would support him, he would ultimately need to help himself.