Defendants swear at jury as Rotorua gang member found guilty of attempted murder

The jurors found George Jolley guilty of attempting to murder Wade Pereira during an armed confrontation with Mongrel Mob associates and affiliates. Photo / File

A jury has found a man guilty of attempted murder in the trial of eight Rotorua Mangu Kaha gang members accused of taking part in an armed melee with Mongrel Mob rivals.

Several defendants swore at the jury as it left the court and curses were hurled from the public gallery as the forewoman announced the verdicts this afternoon - ending three days of deliberations.

There was a heavy police and security presence in the room.

The jurors found George Jolley guilty of attempting to murder Wade Pereira during an armed confrontation with Mongrel Mob associates and affiliates in Thomas Crescent, Rotorua on December 11, 2015.

Robert Dashwood was found guilty of recklessly discharging a firearm, Cramer McMeeking of damaging a Holden, possessing an offensive weapon - a baseball bat - and Chadwick Matapuku of possessing a hockey stick.

All four were also found guilty of participating in an organised criminal group.

Christopher Jolley was found guilty of possessing a metal pole, but not guilty of participating in an organised criminal group.

Daniel McMeeking was found not guilty of the two charges he faced - participating in an organised criminal group and possessing an offensive weapon, a golf club.

Waimarama Te Kani was found not guilty of participating in an organised criminal group as was Major Wetini.

During the trial, it was alleged the clash broke out after a woman with Mongrel Mob connections was found living in the street, regarded as Mangu Kaha territory.

Evidence was given she was in the process of moving out when a brawl - allegedly involving between 20 and 30 Mangu Kaha members - erupted outside her fence, with the Crown saying two shots were fired and weapons brandished.

George Jolley and Dashwood were remanded in custody until sentencing on February 9, while the remainder of the convicted defendants were released on bail. Judge Sarah Katz discharged Daniel McMeeking, Wetini and Te Kani.

- NZN