Think about the hurt, bereaved family beg

WHANGAREI - Young men caught in a culture of violence should think of the damage their actions cause, say the family of a man killed by two former Northland men.

Aucklander David Taylor, aged 29, was enjoying a fun-filled Christmas holiday at Omapere with family and friends when three former Hokianga men brutally beat him early on New Year's Day this year.

He died in Auckland Hospital on January 4.

In the High Court at Whangarei this week, a jury found Henare Wikaira, 20, and Sydney Bristow, 18, guilty of his murder.

Wikaira's brother, Kasey Wikaira, 18, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for his role in Mr Taylor's death.

Mr Taylor's partner of 14 years, Bronwyn Whitaker, said outside the court that the killing of the quiet, fun-loving Henderson man had devastated his family and friends.

"David had a very loving family and this was such a senseless killing," she said.

"It makes me sad because he's not coming back any more and I'm never going to see him again or hold him or touch him."

Ms Whitaker said she had a message for the many other young men in the community who made violence a way of life.

"Think about what you are doing," she said. "Think about the hurt and pain your actions will cause. Think of the consequences to all the innocent people involved."

Mr Taylor's brother Edwin said there was a growing trend towards mindless violence among young men.

"To those people, just think about what you are doing. You ruin everybody's lives - your own, your family's, the victim's and that of all his family and friends.

"Nobody wins in these situations at the end of the day. We all get hurt and the hurt will never go away."

As the two convicted murderers began life sentences yesterday, Mr Taylor's family said their life sentence of living without their loved one would last much longer than the 10 years' minimum jail time murderers must serve.

Mr Taylor's family and friends praised the efforts of the police and crown prosecutors in bringing the three men to justice.

But they were disappointed at the manslaughter verdict because they felt all three were equally responsible for the killing.

The jury of eight women and four men took just over four hours to reach the verdicts. As they were delivered the three accused stood emotionless in the dock.

Justice Morris sentenced Henare Wikaira and Bristow to mandatory life imprisonment. Kasey Wikaira was remanded in custody until December 15 for sentencing.

The court heard during the trial that the three accused beat, kicked and punched a defenceless Mr Taylor.

Bristow hit Mr Taylor on the head with a bottle and threw rocks at him while Henare Wikaira dropped a large rock on his head.

- NZPA