Gang member admits stabbing

A gang member has admitted stabbing a person he had a disagreement with.

A man returned to the scene of his crime yesterday to admit he stabbed someone he'd argued with in the Napier courthouse foyer.

Yesterday Johnny Daniel Braam, 25, pleaded guilty to charges of injuring with intent and possession of methamphetamine.

He also pleaded guilty to two unrelated charges he was originally in court to face on September 4 when he stabbed the man in the courthouse foyer.

The Mongrel Mob member was in the courthouse about 10.30am that day when he became involved in an altercation with another man, who he did not personally know, who was waiting in the foyer. Braam and the victim argued as Braam exited the court after his appearance and challenged the victim to a fight outside, which the man refused. The man punched Braam in the face and a member of the public intervened.

About 30 minutes later while the victim was still seated in the foyer, Braam returned with his face covered with a black and red bandanna carrying a small pocket knife. He stabbed him in the palm and unsuccessfully tried to strike at his upper body. The victim suffered a wound to his hand and received six sutures.

Braam was found by police that afternoon hiding in a van and a bag search revealed two bags of methamphetamine.

He confirmed he'd had a confrontation with the victim, who he thought was a Head Hunters gang member. Braam said he had actually been carrying a corkscrew not a pocket knife and he only intended to hold it in his hand to stop his knuckles from breaking when he punched the victim.

Braam also pleaded guilty to two other unrelated charges after he went to the house of an associate and attempted to recover money. He carried an imitation firearm with him and told the victim he wouldn't think twice about sticking some holes in him.

Braam was remanded in custody to reappear for sentencing in November.