Nine years jail ‘as an example’

Press, 16 July 1987, Page 34

Nine years jail ‘as an example’

PA Auckland A High Court judge jailed a man, aged 38, for nine years, saying he wanted to make an example of him to deter others from adding to an “epidemic” of robberies. “The public expects the Court to impose penalties which reflect public anxiety and which will serve as a deterrent to others who are likeminded,” said Mr Justice Speight in the High Court at Auckland. Atenai Saifiti, an unemployed driver, of Glen Innes, had made crime his way of life, the Judge said.

He had a bad record of previous convictions for violence and dishonesty. Saifiti, who had denied robbing the Westpac Penrose branch of $15,700, was found guilty by a jury

after a High Court trial. Ms Ann Maddox, for the Crown, said all the evidence indicated the robber had done “considerable” planning. A firearm was carried and there was nothing to show it was not loaded. Saifiti had 11 previous convictions for common assault, four for assault with intent to injure, one for causing grievous bodily harm with intent to injure and one for assault on a policeman. The Judge said Justice Department records showed that sentences of six and seven years were being imposed for armed robbery 10 and 12 years ago. Miss Maddox’s statistics confirmed daily news reports that armed robbery of banks and post offices was becoming widespread, the Judge said.