Retribution posse’ in dock

Vili Kamoto, Sila Kamoto, and Dallas Shepherd were attacked. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Nine members of a "retribution posse" have appeared in court for their role in the near-fatal beating of three Mt Roskill men.

The men, who come from four families, are alleged to have set upon the Mt Roskill trio at 10.40pm on April 2 in retribution for a fight that evening.

The Auckland District Court heard yesterday how several men, including two of the accused, got into a fight with the three victims about 9.15pm.

Following the fight, in which at least one of the accused was injured, another of the defendants allegedly contacted several of his "associates" to arrange revenge.

A "retribution posse" of up to 14 young men then returned to Mt Roskill where, police say, they used various weapons, including an axe and hammer, to beat the victims - Sila Kamoto, his brother Vili Kamoto and their friend Dallas Shepherd. Sila Kamoto was beaten so badly he remains in a coma in Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition. Yesterday the lawyer for the youngest accused, a 17-year-old Unitec student, applied for bail.

But Judge Anne Kiernan declined the application, partly to protect the defendant.

The judge said feelings were "running high" over the attack and there was very real concern for his safety.

That concern was reiterated by the fact the young man told police he had kept a machete in his room since the attack for fear of retribution and he wouldn't hesitate to use it.

He is due to reappear in court next Friday with two of the other accused, who have also been remanded in custody.

The six remaining men have been remanded in custody for two weeks.

All the men have been granted interim name suppression.

Police say further arrests are likely and more charges will follow in relation to Sila Kamoto's injuries.

CHARGED

The accused

* Avondale Unitec student, 17.

* Waterview textile worker, 18.

* Avondale butcher, 20.

* Mt Albert security officer, 21.

* Unemployed Avondale man, 21.

* New Lynn carpenter, 21.

* Glen Innes man, no occupation listed, 23.

* Avondale store worker, 24.

* New Lynn carpenter, 24.

* Further arrests likely.

The charges

* One charge each of assaulting Dallas Shepherd using a hammer and an axe as a weapon.

* One charge each of jointly and intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Vili Kamoto.

* Further charges are yet to be laid in relation to Sila Kamoto. The victims and injuries

* 19-year-old Vili Kamoto, broken jaw and eye socket, requiring facial reconstruction.

* 23-year-old Sila Kamoto, broken back and massive head injuries. Still in a coma.

* Dallas Shepherd, minor head and leg injuries.