R v ST Manuel and BT Manuel - [2025] NZHC 1787

Samson Manuel: 
Defendant sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of murder. The defendant, with his brother, attacked the victim. The defendant stabbed the victim in the chest, then punched him six times to the head and kicked him in the head when he appeared unconscious. 

Held: Life imprisonment. A starting minimum period of imprisonment (MPI) was set at 12 years' imprisonment to reflect the violence, use of a weapon and multiple offenders. Uplift of six months applied for previous convictions. Reduction of six months applied for guilty plea. Reduction of 18 months applied for personal circumstances. Final MPI of 10 and a half years' imprisonment imposed. 

Bronson Manuel: 
Defendant sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to injure. The defendant instigated the attack by punching the victim in the face. The defendant also dragged him along the ground and dropped him face down onto concrete. 

Held: starting point of three years' imprisonment imposed to reflect the violence, attack to the head, multiple attackers and vulnerability of the victim when he was unresponsive. Reduction of 20 per cent applied for guilty plea. Reduction of 10 per cent applied for personal circumstances to the defendant. Reduction of five per cent applied to reflect remorse and rehabilitative efforts/prospects. Reduction of four months to reflect time spent on electronically monitored bail. Final sentence of 19 months' imprisonment imposed.