‘Streetie’ dispute ended in man’s death
A man who punched and kicked a homeless man to death has been jailed for seven years and six months.
Darrell Edward James Dunn, 48, appeared for sentencing in the High Court at Auckland yesterday after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Teina Pehi Wharawhara, 42.
Wharawhara was carried to Auckland City Hospital after his lifeless body was found in Grafton’s Outhwaite Park on November 10.
The Crown said Dunn, Wharawhara and a group of other men were drinking heavily at the park after arriving about 8pm.
Crown prosecutor Philip Arnold said Wharawhara died as the ‘‘deliberate result of violence included on him’’ by Dunn.
Dunn had amassed more than 150 convictions, beginning in 1984.
At the time of this offending he was on parole, which was an ‘‘aggravating factor’’, Arnold said.
Counsel Gareth Kayes told the court Dunn was remorseful and had stated ‘‘I didn’t want the bro to die’’.
Justice Matthew Palmer sentenced Dunn to seven years and six months in jail and said although there was no weapon involved, Dunn was bigger than Wharawhara and had attacked him when he was helpless.
‘‘You knew him, he was 42, an alcoholic and smaller than you. You were both ‘streeties’ and members of the homeless community in Auckland,’’ Justice Palmer said.
‘‘Corrections considers you are at high risk of reoffending.’’
Wharawhara’s brother told the court that Wharawara was ‘‘not an angel’’.
‘‘He choose an existence that had ultimately claimed his life.
‘‘We will search our hearts for forgiveness but more importantly you have an opportunity while incarcerated to take programmes to learn new skills for your release in due course and positively move forward with your life and be worthy to contribute to society.’’