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Offender Databases Hareopa Katene

Hareopa Leo Katene

Alias

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Offences

Armed robbery, aggravated wounding and motor vehicle conversion in Rotorua in December 2006
Discharged a firearm with intent to do grievous bodily harm and with reckless disregard for the safety of others in September 2008
A number of past driving and cannabis offences

Victims

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Offender Affiliations

Gloria Smith
Eria Katene (son)

Gang affiliations

Black Power

Age

Born 1961

Current Location

Prison

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to 7 years 6 months in February 2009
Sentenced to 4 year 8 month cumulative term in April 2010

Background
NZ Herald story here
More from this Stuff article here
The Daily Post (Rotorua) February 4th 2009
Ruck'n' Maul offender says he won't clean up his act after jail time. A man who describes himself as the Rotorua Black Power president has been jailed for the aggravated robbery of the city's Ruck'n' Maul bar in 2006. And 47-year-old Hareopa Leo Katene indicated to the court he won't be turning over a new leaf when he's released from a seven- and-a-half year jail sentenced imposed in the High Court at Rotorua yesterday. He appeared for sentencing before Justice Rayner Asher who, after announcing the sentence, told the accused he hoped he would "make a clean start" when released from jail. "Nah," Katene replied.

The Awakeri man was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' jail for aggravated robbery, three years for aggravated wounding and nine months for stealing a car, the sentences to be served concurrently. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charges. He was arrested after the Ruck'n' Maul was robbed on December 3, 2006. Cash of close to $8000 was taken along with two cell phones. Katene was one of two people who held up bar patrons and on- duty bar manager Stevie Mitchell at gunpoint but was the only person to be charged.

Appearing for the Crown Shane Walsh said Katene threatened the victims, who feared for their lives. Some required counselling afterwards and some had been unable to return to the bar again. Katene's lawyer Andy Schulze said his client was entitled to some credit for his guilty pleas. Justice Asher said Katene and two others planned the robbery, drove past the bar for surveillance and planned a disguise. Ruck'n' Maul patrons and Miss Mitchell were held up at gunpoint, the offenders making off with pokie machine money. Patrons were made to lie on the floor and Miss Mitchell was forced to remove money from the machines. Two patrons were bashed with the butt of a rifle. One required stitches.

Miss Mitchell's car was taken by the offenders but dumped at Kuirau Park. Justice Asher said, in a pre- sentence report, Katene described himself as the president of the Rotorua Black Power gang. He said the risk of Katene re-offending was high. Gloria Marjorie Smith, 23, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua for sentencing yesterday on a charge of being an accessory after the fact. She drove Katene away from Rotorua, knowing he had been involved in the robbery, and was sentenced to six months' home detention. Justice Asher said Smith's offending was out of character and her involvement was because she had been in a relationship with Katene.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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