Arrests after Masterton gran loses leg

GANG BATTLE: Police arrest Noel Martin in Miriam St yesterday in relation to a gang clash between Black Power and Mongrel Mob during which a 56-year-old grandmother was crushed between two cars and lost her leg.

Police have arrested four gang members in relation to a fight on Miriam St, Masterton, in which a 56-year-old woman lost her leg.

The woman's leg was amputated after being crushed between two cars during a confrontation between Black Power and Mongrel Mob which broke out on Miriam St on March 29.

It is alleged the confrontation occurred as a result of senior gang members organising a fight between junior members.

There was a strong police presence at the Masterton District Court yesterday as Noel Martin, 60, Manawai Patricia Martin, 55, and Wipuhara Kapene, 18, appeared before Judge Barbara Morris.

Noel Martin appeared on two charges of unlawful assembly, and three charges of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded on bail until May 11, on the condition he did not enter Wairarapa except for legal reasons and complied with a curfew from 5pm to 7am.

Manawai Martin appeared on two charges of unlawful assembly. She was remanded on bail until April 30, with a curfew as a condition.

Kapene faces one charge of unlawful assembly.

He was remanded on bail until April 30, on the condition he did not enter Wairarapa except for legal reasons and complied with a curfew.

The woman who lost her leg is Kapene's grandmother.

A 17-year-old has previously appeared before the court on a charge of intent to injure and a charge of unlawful assembly.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said police had been investigating the gang fight for the last two-and-a-half weeks.

"We've had a limited amount of co-operation, however we've now established who was involved and we've arrested four gang members and we've identified another eight people who will be arrested. It's an ongoing operation and the police have spent a fair bit of time with both Mongrel Mob and Black Power at their addresses and there has been no threat of violence since the 29th.

"Police are very aware that we want to reassure the community in relation to this that we've had extra patrols in the area and we've had some good information sources in relation to any activity that may occur."

Mr Miller urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact police.