Men in court over Nth Shore attacks

Four young men who allegedly went on a violent rampage on Auckland's North Shore have gone on trial today.

Piri Valli Kirton, 18, Harlem Haynui Kirton 19, Jono Paul Wilson, 20, and Ruaumoko Taiapa, 21, are jointly charged aggravated robbery, causing grevous bodily harm, injuring with intent to injure, and assault with intent to rob.

Taiapa is also charged with one count of injuring with intent to injure.

The charges relate to assaults that allegedly happened at various locations on the North Shore on January 15, 2008.

The group allegedly set upon two couples who were relaxing at Milford Beach. After those attacks, another assault allegedly took place on Takapuna Beach.

The accused entered mainly not guilty pleas at the start of their trial, which has now adjourned to hear legal argument.

Jono Wilson and Harlem Kirton pleaded guilty to two charges when they were asked for pleas by Judge Christopher Field at the Auckland District Court.

Wilson pleaded guilty to injuring with intent to cause GBH and Harlem Kirton pleaded guilty to injuring with intent to injure.

Legal argument will continue for the rest of today with the Crown's opening address expected tomorrow morning.

As many as 50 witnesses are expected to be called for the trial which has been set down for four weeks.

- NZ HERALD STAFF