Mongrel Mob associate banned from town

A man associated with the Mongrel Mob has been banned from living in Murupara for a year.

Jarrad Tumoanaroa Rewi, 20, was sentenced to home detention yesterday in the High Court at Rotorua after previously pleading guilty to a charge of participating in an organised criminal group.

As part of his release conditions after home detention he has been banned from living or working in Murupara for a year.

Rewi was among a group of people charged with various offences following the death of Kaingaroa teenager Kaine Lewis at Murupara on October 3, 2009.

Mr Lewis died at the end of a confrontation between associates of the Mongrel Mob and Tribesmen.

Rewi chased one of the associates of the Tribesmen gang during the confrontation. Three of his associates were convicted of murder and manslaughter and are still to be sentenced. The Crown accepted Rewi was not part of the group who assaulted Mr Lewis.

Justice Lang told Rewi he had a misguided sense of allegiance to the Mongrel Mob and felt the need to protect them. "You appreciate that your loyalty was misplaced."

Justice Lang said Rewi showed real promise but it was crucial he severed ties with the Mongrel Mob in Murupara.

"If you do not, your future is bleak."

Justice Lang said home detention was appropriate and sentenced Rewi to six months and two weeks' home detention which will be served at a Galatea address. He has also been sentenced to 180 hours' community work.

Justice Lang ordered Rewi not to live in Murupara for a year after completing home detention. Rewi was also told he was not allowed to work in the village during that time unless permitted to by a probation officer.