Courtroom packed for 33 Black Power members

Gisborne District Court's main courtroom was overflowing today as 33 Black Power members faced the start of a depositions hearing relating to a massive gang brawl in Wairoa last year.

Security at the court is high, as it was last month when a depositions hearing was held for three Mongrel Mob members charged with the fatal shooting of a Black Power member after the fight, in November last year.

The mass brawl erupted outside the Wairoa courthouse after both gang's members were present for hearings. Black Power member Henry William Waihape was shot later that day.

With 33 defendants present today there was little spare room in the public gallery, so members of the public were directed to the No 2 courtroom to watch proceedings on a TV monitor.

Evidence from about 30 witnesses will be heard and the evidence of about 42 others will be given to the presiding Justices of the Peace.

At least 16 lawyers will appear for the accused who are mostly charged with participating in a criminal group and unlawful assembly.

A depositions hearing for at least as many Mongrel Mob members involved in the fight will start on August 4.

The three Mongrel Mob men who have previously appeared did so in relation to the fatal shooting of Mr Waihape. They have been committed for trial with interim name suppression.

Each pleaded not guilty and will next be represented at a High Court call over in Gisborne on August 23.

- NZPA