Jury in Rotorua gang trial breaks for the weekend after juror released

The trial in the Rotorua courthouse relates to a brawl after a woman with Mongrel Mob connections was found living in a street regarded as Mangu Kaha territory.. Photo / File

After deliberating for a day, a jury in the trial of eight Mangu Kaha gang members accused of taking part in an armed skirmish with Mongrel Mob rivals has broken for the weekend.

Justice Sarah Katz agreed to the jury's request this afternoon to stop for the week and return on Monday.

The jury in the High Court at Rotorua now numbers only 10. One was discharged on the second day of the trial and another was released today because of illness.

On trial are: George Jolley, Cramer McMeeking, Chadwick Tamahou Matapuku, Daniel McMeeking, Waimarama Horomai Te Kani, Robert Dashwood, Christopher Jolley and Major Wetini.

The defendants face 20 various charges over an alleged showdown in Western Heights on December 11, 2015.

In her summing up for the jury this week, Justice Katz said with the exception of the charge of attempted murder against George Jolley, participating in an organised criminal group was the most serious allegation.

It is alleged the defendants were involved in a clash with Mongrel Mob affiliates in Thomas Cres 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.