Prisoner told to stop behaving like a ‘spoiled brat’
File image. © Andrew Bardwell
A tattooed prisoner with a gang background has been told by a judge to stop behaving “like a spoiled brat”.
The Christchurch District Court had been told that the prison incident with Albert Enoka, 41, had arisen from his frustrations about his treatment while being held on remand.
He is held in Christchurch Men’s Prison’s J Block where he is locked in his cell for 23 hours a day.
Judge Raoul Neave said: “He behaves in a way that guarantees he is going to be treated like this and then complains about it.”
He told Enoka directly: “Stop behaving like a spoilt brat and you might get better treatment.”
Enoka was at the court for sentencing after admitting assaulting a prison officer with intent to injure.
Defence counsel Phil Shamy said Enoka’s behaviour had improved. The offence had arisen from frustration rather than malice, and Enoka wanted to meet the officer to apologise to him. He had been doing a rehabilitation course while on remand.
Enoka had a gang-related background but had managed to turn himself around quite markedly in prison, Mr Shamy said.
Crown prosecutor Karyn South said there was clear public concern about offending in the prison environment. This assault was aggravated because it involved a kick to the head.
The incident took place on April 21, when Enoka returned to the block after a prison visiting session.
“It has been isolation from family and support systems which have caused some of the difficulties under which you have laboured while on remand,” said Judge Neave.
Enoka went to a phone to started to make phone calls to try to apologise for what had happened during the prison visit.
He ignored a request to go back to his cell and continued making calls and was then told he was being placed on report. He then punched the officer without warning, took up a martial arts stance, and delivered a kick to the head.
The officer fell heavily into some seats and received bruising in the attack. Judge Neave noted that officer had “a fairly robust attitude” and appeared to have suffered no long lasting effects.
But he said the courts must always condemn attacks on prison officers, police, and others who were carrying out their duties on behalf of the community.
He told Enoka: “If you want to be treated better, I suggest you start acting better.”
He imposed a 14-month jail term.
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: