Kidnappers threaten dog rape

A kidnapped man accused of stealing methamphetamine was told his dog would be raped and his home burnt to the ground.

Phillip Stevens, 40, and Stephen Turner were both sentenced in the Palmerston North District Court on Friday for their role in the attack last year on August 1.

Stevens, who Judge Lance Rowe said showed little remorse, was jailed for 18 months. Turner, who had been more co-operative to authorities, was handed seven months’ home detention.

The duo parked in the victim’s driveway in Horowhenua shortly after 8pm. He believed the car belonged to a friend, who was supposed to visit.

Upon entering the car, he realised he didn’t know either men.

Before he could get out, Stevens drove towards O¯ taki before stopping.

The duo accused the victim of stealing methamphetamine from a dealer in Porirua who was supposedly selling for them.

They demanded payment of $8000, but the victim refused.

‘‘Various acts’’ to scare the victim were used and the men threatened to ‘‘drive to the hills where something could happen’’, the court heard. They returned to the victim’s home, where Stevens held an angle grinder to their captive’s face and repeatedly turned it on and off.

Stevens threatened to have the victim’s dog raped and his home burnt down. The torment continued for an hour, until the victim asked for a hiding or to be let go. ‘‘The victim suffered extensive emotional harm from these events,’’ the judge said.

‘‘The premeditation that occurred for several hours amounted to pyschological torture.

‘‘It’s time to find better things to do. Your [families] need you and they need you to be home to provide guidance.’’