Plainsman1963

Kidnap drama lands dope farmer in jail
A farmer who caught two men stealing his cannabis crop has been jailed on firearms and kidnapping charges.
07-18-06 | Stuff.co.nz

And Judge Louis Bidois had some advice for Melios Kyriakides Newman, who he said panicked and made the wrong decisions.

"You could have told them to drop the dope, fired a couple of shots in the air and they'd probably have cut their losses and left."

Newman (29), of Opunake, was appearing for sentence in the Hawera District Court yesterday for unlawful possession of a firearm (.22 rifle), cultivation of cannabis, intentional damage and kidnapping, at Oeo on March 19. He was given leave to apply for home detention.

His brother Steven Tatana Kahotea (40) farmhand, of Oeo, was sentenced to 400 hours' community work on charges of injuring with intent to injure, assault and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Both were first offenders.

The court heard that four young men, all with criminal records, went on a cannabis-hunting expedition along the Oeo River and found three plots on the family farm managed by Newman.

Newman caught them removing his crop of 22 mature female plants. Two of the thieves got away but he held the others at gunpoint, saying: "You c . . . s are dead."

One of the men escaped by flagging down a passing tractor, while his mate was severely beaten by Newman and friends before being let go, when they realised the police were probably on their way.

Judge Bidois said he had received 20 written character references for Newman from lawyers, community leaders and family members.

He acknowledged that Newman had sacrificed a law degree and business opportunities to come home and run the farm with his brother when their father became ill.

"You have huge potential. You are a capable sportsman in a wide range of sports, a good debater, contribute to community affairs and have become a proficient farmer," the judge said.

Kahotea had similar references and appeared a genuinely good person who became mixed up in the incident through a misguided sense of loyalty.

In a personal statement from the dock, Newman said he had justified the use of cannabis by regarding it as a victimless crime.

"I have disgraced myself and tarnished the family name through my actions when I had a position of responsibility.

"I've let down a lot of people in our small community and I apologise for having involved my brother. I hope I can make it up to everyone."

The judge declined "in view of the unusual circumstances", to make an order for emotional harm reparation to the victims.

He said: "Dope hunting is illegal and dangerous and these guys knew they could expect trouble – it's an occupational hazard.

"They didn't even have the decency to leave any plants for the grower."