Man sentenced to prison for violent robbery

Tony Zohrab in the Nelson District Court for sentencing on Tuesday.

Crown prosecutor Jackson Webber said aggravating features included the serious violence and degree of planning.

There was no dispute between the Crown and defence over a threemonth uplift for Ryan’s previous convictions, which included an aggravated robbery in Australia.

But defence lawyer Emma Riddell said Ryan ‘‘really had’’ turned his life around while on bail.

‘‘It’s very unfortunate that he’s here today going to jail, because he’s actually got himself a job, is supporting his family really well, and actually changed his ways.’’

Ryan had shown insight into his offending and was taking responsibility for what had occurred, she said.

Judge Zohrab said that while it was a ‘‘real shame’’ that imprisonment was the appropriate outcome, it had not been an isolated incident.

‘‘Hopefully after this sentence, you can see your way clear to keeping out of prison.’’

Judge Zohrab imposed a threemonth uplift for previous offending, and a 30 per cent discount for Ryan’s guilty plea and the steps he had taken to better himself.

Pritchard was previously sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment. Tui, who didn’t inflict any violence, received 12 months’ home detention.