Man Robbed And Bitten In Attack (Press, 19 December 1989)

On 19 December 1989, an incident in Auckland's Karangahape Road led to a court case involving a robbery and assault. A man picked up a transvestite for sex and agreed on a fee of $40. The agreement took place around 10 a.m. last Thursday, after which the man drove the transvestite to a flat in Mount Eden. This flat was also occupied by a 24-year-old woman and a 19-year-old unemployed scaffolder named Manu Carlos Harmer. During the encounter, after the man undressed, the transvestite went through his clothing and seized his keys, implying a search of his car for money. When the victim protested, a commotion ensued which alerted Harmer and the woman to the situation. According to police prosecutor Sergeant Bill Richards, the woman assaulted the victim by punching him and demanding money. The transvestite, meanwhile, searched the victim's car and struck him with a stiletto shoe while continuing to demand cash. The situation escalated further, with Harmer restraining the victim by the throat while the woman scratched at his eyes, bit his arm, and made threats, including saying she would use a hammer to knock out his teeth. Harmer later pleaded guilty to charges of assault, unlawful interference with a car, and theft. Two other individuals involved in the incident, Vhana Stephens and Helen Hohaia, aged 20 and 24 respectively, did not enter pleas related to the charges against them and were remanded to appear in court again on 22 January 1990. Judge Robert Kerr convicted Harmer and remanded him in custody for sentencing, which was set to occur on the following Friday.

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