Life sentence for gang member following stabbing murder

A gang member who murdered a man celebrating his birthday was today sentenced at the High Court in Wellington to life imprisonment.

Porirua man Charlie Karaka, 33, was found guilty in March of murdering Fitzgerald Risati, who died from a single stab wound to the heart on the morning of December 8, 2007 - his 24th birthday.

Mr Risati's brother, Risati Risati Jnr, was also stabbed in the attack, with the knife being thrust into his back, piercing his lung.

The Crown told the court during the trial that Karaka had been looking for revenge after his Mongrel Mob gang patch was taken from him.

In sentencing Karaka, Justice Jill Mallon said there was a real need to protect the community from him.

She said while he had 49 previous convictions for cannabis, firearms and assault offences, along with involvement in a 1998 gang robbery, he had been attempting to turn his life around.

Justice Mallon noted Karaka's remorse and willingness to meet with Fitzgerald Risati's father.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period of 12-years for murder, with a three year sentence for wounding with reckless disregard, to be served concurrently.

- NZPA