Gang members jailed for cutting off man's finger

Two gang members who cut off a man's finger after he talked about gang activities have been told they will serve at least half their jail sentences before they can seek parole.

Terrence Austin McFarland, 44, of Glen Eden was jailed for eight years and Michael Robert Brooks, 34, of Te Atatu South, for six years eight months, after an Auckland District Court found them guilty of maiming a 22-year-old man.

Both men were told when they were sentenced they had to serve at least half their jail terms.

Their trial heard their victim had his little finger cut off his right hand as punishment after he told others about Head Hunters gang business.

He had spoken to a gang prospect about seeing a bashing that left a man seriously injured. He was later told if he mentioned the beating he would be killed.

The court heard the terrified man held a knife over his right little finger while a gang prospect hit the knife with a sledge hammer, cleanly slicing off his finger.

- NZPA