Because he wore a red sweatshirt…
He said he was 40 years old, lived with his parents and suffered from a mental illness for which he took medication daily.
The man said he has never associated with a gang, minded his own business and did not cause problems for anyone.
“I simply keep to myself.”
He said he was a regular at McDonald’s in Hawera and was well-known by the staff.
“This was an unprovoked attack in a place I went every day and felt safe.
“I did not do anything to the gang members that attacked me that would justify their brutal actions. I simply wore a red sweatshirt.”
The man said he pleaded with the men during the violent incident, telling them he was not connected to the Mongrel Mob.
He was terrified as it unfolded and said he remained afraid to this day.
“I’ve been too frightened at times to leave my house. My life was altered significantly.
“The attack shook my world.”
NZ Herald
In a prolonged attack by Black Power gang members, the victim was stabbed, punched, kicked, and took blows to his face and head. Seven men were sentenced on Friday.
Judge Tony Greig said, “And you all now realise that this was a really bad mistake and that he is, in fact, whanau to some of you.”
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