Apparently frustrated by communication difficulties, Hohepa then launched into the attack, with at least 10 punches and five kicks striking one of the victims before a similarly prolific assault on the second man, during which another man with Mongrel Mob links arrived and also assaulted one of the men.
Many of the punches were directed at the faces and heads of the victim, who managed to thwart the second attacker's attempts to remove the t-shirt. Both victims were bruised but not seriously injured, although one also had cuts and required medical treatment.
Arriving through the courtroom's public entrance, having been on bail in the hope of a restorative justice meeting with the victims, Hohepa barely flinched as Judge Rea decided he could deal with it on the day and sent him through another door, to prison.
A second offender, Jade Eriha, 32, of Hastings, was on Wednesday still wanted by police after failing to appear for sentence on one charge of assault last week.
He had driven off after failing to take the t-shirt during the assault, but was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty when he did appear in court, in August.
