Violent rampage earns thugs long jail terms

Harlem Haynui Kirton (L) and Piri Valli Kirton appearing in Auckland District Court in August. Photo / Greg Bowker

The young men who went on a violent rampage through the North Shore have been given long jail terms today.

Ruauomoko Taiapa, brothers Harlem and Piri Kirton and Jono Wilson were sentenced to between 14 and 9 and a half years at the Auckland District Court.

Taiapa was jailed for 14 years, Harlem Kirton for 11 and a half years, while Wilson and Piri Kirton both 9 and a half years

Taiapa, Harlem Kirton and Wilson were also given longer non-parole periods than the usual one-third of a sentence because Judge Christopher Field said the offending needed to be strongly denounced.

He said the attacks were "very serious" by any standard.

The four young men pleaded guilty to a raft of violent offences, including aggravated robbery and causing grievous bodily harm, during their trial early last month.

Two young couples were attacked, one at Milford Beach, and the other on Lake Rd, on January 15, 2008, because the young men intended to rob them for cash.