Two Jailed For Robbery, Taking Car (Press, 20 December 1989)

On 20 December 1989, the High Court sentenced two men for their involvement in a violent robbery that took place in June of the same year. Justice Holland called the men's actions "needless violence" as he addressed Michael Shayne Uren, 20, and Reuben Rangi Parish, 17, who both admitted to robbing Geoffrey Roy Barker and unlawfully taking his rental car. Uren received a prison sentence of 12 months for robbery and three months for unlawfully taking a car, while Parish was sentenced to six months for assault and three months for unlawfully getting into the car, with the sentences running concurrently. During the sentencing, Mr Mervyn Glue, representing Uren, argued that Uren was a young man with little means and had been in a vulnerable situation when he and Barker, who was older and more established, had been drinking together throughout the day. Uren stated that the assault arose from what he claimed was an indecent situation with Barker, insisting there was never any homosexual relationship between them during their two-week acquaintance. The trial revealed inconsistencies in Barker's statements regarding the incident, as he had left the country after the event. Uren's legal team considered the attack to be unplanned, suggesting that Barker was attempting to take advantage of Uren, leading to the altercation. Mr Mark Callaghan, representing Parish, argued that his client had been intoxicated after being heavily influenced by Barker, whom he had only met that night. The court learned that Parish's involvement in the assault was limited, primarily consisting of placing his foot on Barker's head while Uren searched his pockets. Justice Holland acknowledged that there was indeed an indecent incident between Barker and Uren. He emphasised the broader issue of violence in society, remarking that it was unacceptable for homosexuals to be assaulted. He condemned Uren's actions as particularly concerning since Barker was left in a vulnerable, isolated situation in the middle of winter following the incident. The judge noted that Parish, despite his young age and being a father, had a troubling record, which necessitated a prison sentence to teach him that such violence was intolerable. Overall, the court underscored the seriousness of the offences and the necessity of appropriate sentencing to address violent behaviour within the community.

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