Mob cited for teens’ attack on elderly man

‘‘It’s Mongrel Mob.’’ That was the explanation a Napier 16-year-old gave family members when they asked why he nearly killed a 78-year-old man, the Youth Court at Napier heard yesterday. Now 17, he is on trial with another youth, who is now 18, for attacking the man in his Napier home earlier this year. They face charges of aggravated robbery and causing grievous bodily harm. Their identities are suppressed as they are appearing in the Youth Court. The Crown alleges that the pair broke into the man’s house on January 12 and attacked him. Both were seen running from the house after the assault. The teens were seen by family members later. ‘‘[The younger one] was asked how he could do this to an innocent old man. [He] replied ‘It’s Mongrel Mob’,’’ Crown prosecutor James Bridgman said. The trial is expected to run until tomorrow.