KEY POINTS:
A gang attack on a Linwood bus passenger who refused to hand over his cigarettes has brought jail terms for two teenagers.
They were part of a group of 14 teenagers boasting on the bus of being members of the Eastside Crips gang, and according to the victim the whole group took its turn in the bashing at the back of the bus.
In Christchurch District Court today, Judge David Saunders said Christchurch had always prided itself on its bus service and it was sad that the victim no longer felt safe travelling by bus. The sentencing must deter this kind of conduct on the city's public transportation system, to prevent violence against passengers.
Before the court were Rau Tongia, a 19-year-old farmhand living in Culverden, and Peter Ah Tong, 18, unemployed, who had been found guilty at a jury trial last week of assaulting the man with intent to rob him. Both had Youth Court convictions for violence.
Counsel for Tongia, Alister James, said the evidence showed his client had realised at some stage that things had gone too far and had stepped in to protect the victim.
Patrick Butler, counsel for Ah Tong, said there had been positive changes for his client since his arrest a year ago. He had a supportive family and had abided by a strict bail curfew with only one technical breach.
Judge Saunders said he accepted that after taking part in the assault, Tongia had stepped in to protect the victim, and he reduced his sentence for that.
He said Ah Tong had admitted being there but maintained his innocence. But he noted his colleagues had not come to the trial to support his story of not being involved.
"You need to think about who you associate with and who your friends are in your time of need."
He jailed Tongia for a year and ordered him to undergo violence prevention assessment and treatment. He jailed Ah Tong for 16 months and ordered him to undergo Community Alcohol and Drug Service assessment and counselling, after noting he had drunk eight bourbon and cola drinks before the incident.
Both were granted leave for apply for home detention.
- NZPA
