Gang member jailed

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 4

Gang member jailed

A member of the Black Power gang was sent to prison for 12 months by Judge Frampton in the District Court yesterday. Appearing for sentence was Philip Edward Tetai, aged 22. a labourer, who had earlier been convicted on three charges of possessing offensive weapons, one of car conversion, and the burglary of the Islington Tavern. In sentencing Tetai the Judge said the defendant’s sole aim in life seemed to be involved in violent confrontation with others. The nature of the charges and Tetai's attitude to violence, including what he saw as a justifiable use .of weapons, suggested the community would be at risk if he were allowed to remain in it. the Judge said. Counsel (Mr K. J. Grave) said the carrying of weapons was part and parcel of his client's way of life and were carried for his own protection. Of the burglary, in which 22 bottles of whisky, valued at more than $5OO. were stolen from the bottle store. Mr Grave said Tetai, who was very drunk at the time, had only driven the car used. Mr Grave described the attempted escape as an attempt to show off among fellow prisoners. It was not a serious attempt to get away. $lOO FINE Shane Hamilton, aged 23. a sickness beneficiary, who admitted unlawfully possessing a cut-down .22 calibre rifle was convicted and fined $lOO. Hamilton, a paraplegic, who was in a wheelchair, was also told that the rifle would be forfeited to the Crown.

Sergeant W. J. McCormick said the weapon was found by police who went to the defendants Woodham Road house on Monday night to investigate the earlier mystery shooting of another Black Power gang member. Sergeant McCormick said the rifle was found under the defendant’s mattress. Ammunition was also found. Counsel (Mr E. Bedo) said it was common knowledge that the majority of Black Power gang members lived at the defendant’s address. Because of this his orient had often been left "holding the baby." /■ The rifle had only been in Hamilton’s possession for a brief time and had been left tucked under his mattress just before the police arrived. Hamilton, out of a sense of loyalty, had refused to tell the police who gave him the weapon, said Mr Bedo.

PROBATION A widow convicted on seven charges of shoplifting, involving property worth $654. was put on probation for 12 months when she appeared for sentence. The Judge told Patricia McClure, aged 59. that the term of probation was not intended as a punishment but rather in the hope that through it she could be helped with her problems. He said that it was sad to see someone of the defendant’s ,age appearing for the first time on such charges. McClure’s daughter, Simone Lynne, aged 20. a solo parent, who admitted, and was convicted of receiving clothing and propert.v. valued at $206, from her mother, was also put on probation for 12 months. All the property involved was recovered. The two offences occurred on October 21 when the daughter met her mother outside a Gloucester Street store.