‘Disrespect’ led to street brawl
A youth who laughed at three street gang members who were blocking his way triggered a brawl with weapons and potplants in an Avonside street.
Police said the brawl happened when the street gang members felt they had been “disrespected”.
One of those involved, Taua Te Tauhou McLean, 19, pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court today to charges of intentionally injuring two opponents during the brawl.
He was remanded on bail for sentence on March 18 by Judge Noel Walsh, who ordered that a restorative justice meeting be held if possible and a pre-sentence report be prepared to consider McLean’s suitability for home or community detention.
Defence counsel Craig Ruane said McLean would stay with his parents in Whakatane.
Police said the incident took place in a confrontation between addresses in Rowcliffe Crescent and Holland Street on November 1. Four members of the street gang were drinking together and then went to the other property about 9.50pm.
Three of them confronted the first victim, aged 18, and began calling out “Badways” which is the name of their street gang, and became confrontational.
The youth laughed at them and he was then assaulted by the trio, with McLean punching and kicking him in the face, head, and body.
As the incident developed, McLean picked up a weapon and followed a second victim into his property. Police say other participants threw pot plants. McLean struck the man across his upper back, causing a 30cm large red welt.
The first victim was knocked unconscious and received bruising, swelling and soreness to his head, face, and lip, a gash to his right elbow, damage to his knuckles, and a sore back and shoulder. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and spent the night in hospital.
The second victim received the welt caused by McLean, and a 10cm cut from a potplant thrown by someone else. He did not need medical treatment.
Category: News
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