May 14, 2010

Police recorded phone threats

Police were listening when a man threatened to ?smash? and break the legs of someone who had injured him at a party altercation, unless he was paid cash.

The 27-year-old man admitted sending threatening messages by phone, in text messages, and via associates to a person he considered was responsible for his injuries.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing after appearing in the Christchurch District Court today on charges of robbery and demanding with menaces.

Kenneth Raymond Matiu Roberts was in an altercation at a party and received injuries to his face and hand, which required surgery to his hand.

He blamed his victim for the altercation and threatened him, demanding money from him to pay for his surgery.

In fact, his treatment was covered by ACC.

The victim borrowed money from a friend and his mother to make payments totalling $2200.

The police became involved and recorded a phone call demanding $100, and a threat to ?do some damage and smash? the victim.

In the next phone call, also recorded by the police, he abused the victim and told him if he did not come and pay him $100 he would break his legs.

Defence counsel Steve Hembrow said Roberts received serious injuries and was off work for a long time.

He was now extremely disappointed with himself, he said.

Judge Patricia Costigan remanded Roberts in custody to a crown sentencing on June 23. She asked for a pre-sentence report to consider whether he was suitable for home detention, and a reparation report.