Nail-gun bank robber jailed
A 26-year-old man who used a nail-gun to rob an Auckland Kiwibank to get money to pay a drug debt was sentenced to nearly five years’ jail in the Christchurch District Court today.
Dominic Leilua entered the Paper Plus shop in the Sunnynook Shopping Centre on Auckland’s North Shore about 1pm on May 14. The shop also had a New Zealand Post Shop and Kiwibank in it.
He approached a Kiwibank teller and pointed the nail gun at his chest, demanding money. He pointed it at another teller and demanded he also give him money. He left with $3040 cash which was not recovered.
Judge Alistair Garland said the offending was planned, there were two offenders, he was disguised with a hoodie and sunglasses, he was armed, and it was commercial premises. There were members of public present, and there was a threat of violence. Neither of the tellers were physically injured, but they were shaken and suffered considerable emotional harm, he said.
Defence counsel Tim Twomey said Leilua was remorseful and had insight into what effect his behaviour had had on his victims.
He said the offending was not sophisticated, but Leilua was put under pressure to pay a drug debt.
Leilua’s probation report said he was a medium risk of re-offending, he had used the money to pay his debt, and he told them the nail gun was not loaded.
Judge Garland sentenced Leilua to four years ten months prison.
Category: News
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