Teen who attacked elderly couple jailed for six years

Hohepa Wallace in court. File photo / John Weekes

A teenager who admitted to carrying out a violent attack on an elderly couple, leaving them "stripped of their independence", has been sentenced to almost six years in prison.

Hohepa Wallace, 18, previously pleaded guilty to two charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two charges of burglary, following an attack on an elderly couple in Waikanae.

In the attack, which occurred last December, the couple were assaulted in their home and had their car stolen.

At Wellington District Court today, Judge Bruce Davidson said the attacks had a "devastating impact" on the elderly couple involved.

Judge Davidson said Wallace visited the couple's home last December.

When inside, Wallace was disturbed by the elderly woman, and told her he was looking for someone before he left the house with a wallet.

Wallace then returned to the house a few hours later, when the elderly couple were asleep.

Judge Davidson said the elderly woman woke up and disturbed Wallace once again, before he assaulted her, and her husband.

"Details of the assault are scant but it is clear both were knocked unconscious."

Judge Davidson said the man suffered from facial fracture and bruising, and the woman had cuts and brain swelling.

The pair were hospitalised after the attack and had since moved to a retirement home, Judge Davidson said.

"To say both the occupants had been badly affected is really an understatement.

"You stripped them of their independence, something which is tremendously valued by elderly people."

Judge Davidson said the couple were entitled to live the later part of their life peacefully.

Crown prosecutor Ian Murray said it was "without a doubt a very serious and troubling offending".

Mr Murray said Wallace had quickly resorted to very serious violence.

However, defence lawyer Janine Bonifant said Wallace was remorseful of his actions.

"Mr Wallace has accepted from the outset all the matters."

She said Wallace was supported in court by his grandmother and aunt, as well as other members of his family, who sat in the public gallery. His mother was unable to attend.

Judge Davidson sentenced Wallace to five years and nine months in prison.

As Wallace left the court room, a member of his family called out to him that his mum "loved him".