Rioter jailed for six months

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 4

Rioter jailed for six months

PA Auckland A gang member who escaped during a Springbok tour trial and later admitted taking part in a riot, was yesterday sentenced to six months jail. Roy Dunn, also known as Roy Wong Tung, aged 21. of Mangere. appeared before Judge A. Deobhakta in the District Court at Auckland, having earlier pleaded guilty to the charge of rioting relating to September. 1981. Counsel. Mr Michael Valiant, said that Dunn "decamped" from his trial because his daughter was extremely ill in hospital, and he felt if the trial went against him he would be further “incarcerated." Mr Valiant said Dunn had just finished a sentence on an escaping charge.

The Judge said that the incident to which Dunn now pleaded guilty, arose out of a protest march. "In the past your colleagues have addressed the Court at length on the morals of the tour and their passion and conviction in taking part in the protest." said the Judge. "You were a gang member there and I don't think you pretend that your presence had anything to do with your feelings about the Springbok tour," he told Dunn.

The Judge said that others made use of that argument to justify their presence, but he felt it was “fast wearing thin.”

The Judge took into account Dunn's recent efforts to improve his lifestyle and that he now had the responsibility of a wife and child.