Bombs thrown ‘for publicity’

Press, 28 October 1981, Page 5

Bombs thrown ‘for publicity’

PA Wellington Two youths chose the Lower Hutt police station as a target for their Molotov cocktails because it was the best way to get their names in the newspaper, the District Court at Lower Hutt was told yesterday. . Allan Ronald Tibbenham, aged 17, a drycleaner, and Ross Wiremu Tihema, aged 17, a forklift driver, appeared for sentence after having previously admitted charges of wilfully setting fire to the Lower Hutt police station and possessing a Molotov cocktail with intent to commit arson on September 27.

Counsel, Mr R. Stacey, told the Court how the tw z o

accused ran across the road to the police station, each holding a lighted bottle and risking immolation.

Mr Stacey said petrol was running down Tibbenham’s hand. Counsel said the action was incredible to relate and would merit some commendation if in wartime.

Mr Stacey said he was authorised by a police officer of the highest level locally to say that the police accepted the genuine regret of both accused over their action. Counsel said a member of the group had asked if anyone would have the courage to throw a Molotov cocktail. Tibbenham said he would

have “the guts” and Tihema joined in in a jocular way.

Mr Stacey said it was incredible that when asked why they did it, the accused said they wanted to get their names in the newspaper. They said they picked on the police station because it was the best way.

Mr Stacey said the accused were responsive to supervision. Judge Robertson said perhaps the most disturbing feature of the offence was that it was not a sudden, spur-of-the-moment decision. Preparations were made and discussion held. He sentenced both accused to corrective training in view of their age.