Stabbing victim died defending friend

again and attempted to strike the RSE worker in the abdomen, but the worker stepped backwards and avoided the blow.

A short time later, the two groups converged in another mass standoff on the corner of Market St and Main St, in a series of fights and confrontations. Much of the altercation was captured on CCTV, and about 50 people were estimated to be involved.

Police arrived and attempted to separate the two groups, using pepper spray and threatening to use Tasers.

Rebels member Peter Uelese, 38, of Lower Hutt, was extremely aggressive towards police, verbally abusing them, and trying to prevent police giving medical treatment to Lynch, but was held back by other gang members.

However, Uelese managed to kick Lynch in the neck as he lay dying, the summary said. Uelese was then forcibly removed by his associates.

Lynch died at the scene, while his wounded friend underwent surgery and had considerable scarring as a result.

Pikaahu was initially charged with murder, and was set to defend the charges at a jury trial in August.

However, he entered a guilty plea to a charge of manslaughter in the High Court at Wellington yesterday. He also admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Uelese also appeared on Thursday, and admitted assault with intent to injure, and behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place likely to cause violence against persons to continue.

Lynch’s brother Tomasi Lynch was also in attendance by audiovisual link, as were family members of the defendants.

Crown prosecutor Mark O’donoghue said the Crown had been in discussions with defence lawyers since last year about whether the murder charge was appropriate. Having reviewed all the evidence, the Crown was not convinced that it could prove that Pikaahu had murderous intent.

Pikaahu could have been acting in self-defence when the altercation started, but use of force became excessive, so he would be unable to claim selfdefence at trial, O’donoghue said.

‘‘On a pragmatic basis, the Crown is prepared to accept that manslaughter is appropriate.’’

The defendants were remanded to a sentencing date of September 15, Pikaahu in custody and Uelese on bail.

Justice Cooke said he hoped it could be arranged for Lynch’s family in Tonga to watch the sentencing remotely.