Second teen admits gunpoint kidnapping

A second teenager has admitted the kidnapping of a couple at gunpoint in Taranaki last month.

Matthew Kane Tett, unemployed, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in New Plymouth District Court yesterday to kidnapping and aggravated robbery, The Taranaki Daily News reported.

Thomas Teruihi Skipper, of Inglewood, admitted similar charges last month.

Judge Allan Roberts remanded Tett in custody for sentence on June 5, the same day Skipper will be sentenced.

A third teenager Jerome Teumuera Edwards, unemployed of Inglewood, continued to enter no pleas yesterday on charges of kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a firearm, presenting a firearm, aggravated robbery, theft, obstructing justice and burglary.

He was further remanded for a depositions hearing.

The couple were held up at gunpoint at Inglewood cemetery and forced to drive 20km north to Waitara, where they were dumped out of the vehicle.

The kidnappers planned to drive to Auckland but turned back at Te Kuiti, 162km north of New Plymouth.

They abandoned the car in New Plymouth.

- NZPA