Pair admit street robbery which left man with an eye injury

Two men have pleaded guilty to their role in a street robbery which left one victim with a serious facial injury.

Paul Justin Noble and Bronson Mcgarvey appeared in the New Plymouth District Court yesterday.

They were due to face a judgealone trial after they were each charged with aggravated robbery and assault with intent to rob following the January 16 offending.

The pair were arrested shortly after police were called to Ngamotu Rd, near the South Rd intersection, about 11.45pm.

Two men had been approached by Noble and Mcgarvey on the street, where the attack took place. A wallet, cell phone, hat and shoes were taken during the robbery and one of the victims suffered a cut to his eye, which required stitches.

At the hearing, Crown prosecutor Jacob Bourke said there had been some negotiations with the men’s defence counsel about the charges and a resolution had been reached.

This meant a hearing was no longer required.

As a result, Bourke said the charge of assault with intent to rob laid against both defendants, was to be withdrawn.

For Noble, the charge of aggravated robbery was amended to robbery.

Mcgarvey’s charge was reduced to being a party to the robbery.

After the change to the charges was noted by Judge Chris Sygrove, the men entered guilty pleas.

A remand was granted for a restorative justice meeting to be canvassed with the victims and for pre-sentence reports to be completed.

The men, who are on bail, will reappear for sentencing on November 22. A strike warning against the men will be issued when they next appear.

During the hearing, Noble also pleaded guilty to breaching his bail on Sunday night.

This was a result of police catching him drinking alcohol at his home.