Robbery brings thirdstrike prison term

THE robbery of a car lover’s pride and joy has landed a man in jail for more than two years — and he will serve it without the chance of parole.

Michael John Hughes (38) was convicted of wounding with intent to injure in 2015, which resulted in a first warning under the threestrikes regime.

After pleading guilty to a March 2017 aggravated robbery, the defendant notched up his second strike, meaning the 29month term of imprisonment imposed by Judge Kevin Phillips this week will be served in full.

The Dunedin District Court heard Hughes had already spent 18 months behind bars awaiting the resolution of his charges.

A man he knew had called him to buy cannabis.

When Hughes turned up at the man’s house, however, he did not get the delivery he expected.

The defendant was accompanied by Russell James Trevathan (40) and another man.

The third member of the group — who cannot be named for legal reasons — accused the victim of being a nark.

He was ‘‘aggressive and threatening’’, the judge said, and demanded $10,000 from the man.

‘‘The victim’s response was to say that what he was accused of and asked for was nonsense,’’ Judge Phillips said. ‘‘He didn’t have the money and there was no reason to pay.’’

After some discussion with the trio though, the victim offered $5000, but they were in no mood for haggling.

Hughes and his codefendant went looking for the keys to the man’s customised Holden Commodore while Trevathan drew up an impromptu bill of sale to make it look like the vehicle had been legitimately sold for $15,000.

They took the victim’s property out of the car and left.

He was left in such shock and ‘‘with major fear of reprisal’’ that he waited four months before informing the police of the robbery.

The car — repainted and with new plates — was found by police being driven by a criminal associate of Hughes in August last year.

When officers executed a search warrant at the caravan where the defendant was living they found two rounds of pistol ammunition.

They later found a methamphetamine pipe and also charged Hughes with four petrol driveaways.

The defendant, who has clenched fists tattooed on his face, legs and the back of his head, claimed he had left the gang lifestyle behind.

Despite the victim incurring significant costs over the loss of his car, Judge Phillips said he could not order Hughes to pay reparation because he had no assets or savings.

Trevathan was earlier jailed for two years and nine months.