Stabbing accused ‘out of his depth’

A Nelson man involved in a stabbing in Tahunanui in 2018 was described by a judge as being ‘‘out of his depth’’.

Kane Stuart Darling, 22, was in the Nelson District Court for sentencing yesterday for his role in the stabbing of a man in Tahunanui in 2018.

On November 16, police were called out to an incident outside the Nelson Fun

Park on Beach Rd Tahunanui, where a man was taken to Nelson Hospital with stab wounds.

Later that morning, Darling was arrested along with co-accused Reuben James Anderson, at an address in Victory Square.

The victim was discharged from hospital several days later.

Darling was charged with aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and possessing an offensive weapon, with

Anderson also being charged with wounding with intent.

Darling pleaded guilty to the charges, after initially intending to plead not guilty and stand trial.

Lawyer Marcus Zintl argued against a prison sentence, given Darling had already been in custody for 7 months and on electronically-monitored bail for two months.

Judge David Ruth said it had been clear that Darling had been very much out of his depth during the incident, a position he said was reinforced by the presentencing report.

He sentenced Darling to four months community detention and nine months supervision, with special conditions he attend a drug and alcohol programme.

Anderson maintained his not guilty plea and elected a trial by jury.

His next appearance will be tomorrow for a jury trial callover.