The ringleader behind a "violent fire bombing" of a sleepout at a Rotorua woman's home has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.
In Rotorua District Court yesterday George Rameka, 44, unemployed, was jailed after a jury found him guilty of arson. His co-offenders, Awhina Lynette Kahukiwa, 30, solo parent and Juanita Edna Christie, 26, unemployed, were also sentenced.
Christie was jailed for 15 months and was given leave to apply for home detention while Kahukiwa was ordered to do 250 hours' community work and to pay $280 reparation.
The court was told that at 1am on July 13 last year, the trio went to a house in Harold Cres, smashed a window in a shipping container that was used as a sleepout and threw molotov cocktails inside. Someone had been living in the sleepout just a few weeks before the arson.
The sleepout was only about a metre away from the victim's house. At the time she was inside caring for a number of young children.
Although the reason for the attack had not been confirmed by the offenders' lawyers, Judge Russell Callender said he had reason to believe it was gang retaliation. Rameka is a patched Black Power member while Christie also has connections with the gang.
Judge Callender said the victim had previously had work done on her property by members of a rival gang.
The judge said the victim was known in the community for her voluntary work and care people who needed help.
"You repaid her that community spirit by fire bombing her place late at night in circumstances where she was vulnerable and caring for others."
A member of the public gallery took exception to the judge's comments about the victim and yelled a number of accusations. Judge Callender ordered him to be escorted from the court by security staff and warned if there were any further outbursts, those responsible would be arrested, thrown in the cells and charged with contempt of court.
Judge Callender said the victim impact statement made sad reading.
"Since the event she has suffered considerably. She has not slept properly, is afraid in her own home and is apprehensive that she will be attacked again."
Rameka committed the arson while on bail and had a history of 28 years' criminal offending -- that included more than 70 previous convictions.
Judge Callender said Rameka was the ringleader and he was confident the women would not have been involved if it were not for him.
Christie had two previous convictions but the judge noted that most of her problems stemmed from alcohol abuse.
Judge Callender said he did not jail Kahukiwa because she was under the influence of her then partner, Rameka.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
Ringleader jailed for firebombing
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