Trio who used dog as weapon jailed

An vicious assault on a man using a dog as weapon has brought jail terms for his three attackers.

The attack was described as "serious, unpleasant and cynical", at the sentencing of the trio by Christchurch District Court Judge Raoul Neave today.

Nathan Finch Lewis, 39, was jailed for seven years three months for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and threatening to kill.

Anaru Turei Tamati Rangihuna, 37, was jailed for 6-1/2 years for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Shane Hugh McDonald, 32, received a one-year prison term for assault with a blunt instrument and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Lewis invited the victim, a neighbour, on to his property, telling him that he wanted to sort out disputes between them.

He then attacked the man, and held him down while Rangihuna set his dog onto him.

McDonald hit the man over the head with a torch as he was leaving the property, with Lewis threatening to shoot him.

The man received serious injuries to his left arm, requiring three operations for infection from the dog. He was left with significant scars, muscle wasting, and nerve damage.

Defence counsel for McDonald, David Ruth, said his client's pre-sentence report told of his genuine sense of wanting to change, his regret and remorse.

He said his drug and alcohol issues had now been resolved and his partner wrote a letter of support to the court.

Counsel James Rapley said Rangihuna stood back and watched Lewis attack the man and released his dog when Lewis asked him to. He said his intention was to put the frighteners on the victim.

Counsel Simon Shamy said Lewis's action had been rash and impulsive.

Crown prosecutor Kathy Bell said the victim's injuries affected his quality of life and she was seeking a non-parole period for Lewis and Rangihuna.

Judge Neave said the attack was serious, unpleasant and cynical, a spur of the moment stupidity.

There was serious injury with significant effects for the victim who had moved from the area and had taken a loss on the sale of his house.

He said Lewis and Rangihuna declined to co-operate in the writing of their pre-sentence reports. They had contempt for the court system and were career criminals.

Judge Neave declined the non-parole term sought by the Crown as he said the Parole Board would be highly unlikely to release Lewis or Rangihuna early because of their attitudes.

He said that they would have to do a lot of work to convince the board, and if they did do the work they may deserve early release.

- NZPA