Taupo teen admits drive-by shooting

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A second Taupo teenager has admitted his involvement in a daylight drive-by shooting.

Cody Paul Griffen , 19, appeared in the Taupo District Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge each of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Griffen is one of two people who has admitted involvement in the attack on the Taupo teenager who was walking to the Paetaki shops on Taharepa Rd last month.

The victim was shot in the scrotum, with the bullet eventually lodging 15cm into his right thigh.

He was taken to Taupo Hospital then transferred to Rotorua Hospital for surgery to remove the bullet. His injuries were not life threatening.

The court had previously heard that after the shooting the vehicle Griffen and his associates had been in allegedly did a U-turn and drove back, where obscenities were yelled at the victim and his friend as they ran in fear for their lives.

Griffen also pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching community work.

Griffen, with Leighton Tarewa Anderson, who pleaded guilty for his part in the shooting earlier this month, have been remanded in custody until May 27 for sentencing in the Rotorua District Court.

A third person, who has been charged in connection with the incident, is still to be dealt with.