Burton attacker gets 45 months
Aman has been sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment for attacking notorious doublekiller Graeme Burton at a facility housing the country’s most dangerous criminals.
Te Ariki Poulgrain was among a group of three prisoners who assaulted Burton in Auckland Prison at Paremoremo on May 11 last year.
Burton was left in a life-threatening condition and now suffers from severely diminished vision.
Justice Geoffrey Venning said Poulgrain “deliberately positioned” himself beside Burton to force him closer to an inmate who launched the attack by punching the killer with a right-hook to the face.
Burton was vulnerable to the “out of the blue” attack, Justice Venning said.
“He [Burton] has a significant and serious criminal history.”
“He is also disabled to the extent he has a prosthetic leg.
“It is easier to knock him to the ground because of his prosthetic leg.”
Prone on the ground and curled in a foetal position, Burton tried to use his hands to shield his face, according to court documents.
It was important to note the attack continued while he was “defenceless on the ground” unable to get up, Justice Venning said.
Poulgrain stabbed Burton up to eight times during the assault.
Corrections officers, who had become aware of the violence, waited for backup before entering.
During yesterday’s sentencing in the Auckland High at Court, Poulgrain’s defence lawyer Maria Pecotic said it was difficult to say who caused which injuries, but it was clear Poulgrain was not the main protagonist.
He was susceptible to persuasion because of his youth and ADHD, she told the court.
She also spoke of good rehabilitation prospects in the community as Poulgrain had several supporters, including one who was prepared to offer him a job.
He had taken the time to offer Justice Venning a hand-written letter showing insight into the factors influencing his offending, the court heard.
“For a young man with the difficulties that he has, that is commendable.”
Justice Venning said in cases of such serious violence, the need to hold the person responsible accountable and deter others in the prison environment were relevant considerations.
Senior Crips gang member Siuaki Lisiate earlier pleaded guilty to stabbing Burton more than 40 times. When spoken to by police, Lisiate said he directed two other prisoners to take part in the assault.