An Auckland man has been sentenced to prison for two vicious assaults, including a brutal attack that left a Taiwanese tourist with knocked-out teeth and stolen passports, and a separate violent robbery of a petrol station attendant.
Fonuamotu Manuha’apai, now 20, followed the Taiwanese visitor along Mission Bay’s Tamaki Drive in January last year, demanding money before kicking him to the ground, punching him in the face, and stealing his bag containing $800, an iPhone, and family passports, as reported by the NZ Herald.
The victim lost two front teeth and suffered severe dental damage.
In a March incident, Manuha’apai punched a Mobil attendant, then kicked him three times in the face as he lay unconscious, stealing his phone.
The worker suffered a concussion, a broken finger, and lasting trauma.
Manuha’apai pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft, and aggravated robbery.
Judge Maxwell condemned the attacks as “cowardly and unprovoked,” noting the lasting physical and psychological harm inflicted on both victims.
The sentencing highlights growing concerns over violent street crime in Auckland, with authorities urging heightened vigilance among tourists and workers.
Manuha’apai admitted charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft, and aggravated robbery.
His defence counsel stated he expressed profound remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation.
The court heard prosecutors describe the attacks as exceptionally violent, leaving victims with lasting psychological trauma.
Judge Maxwell imposed a prison term of 3 years and 3 months, acknowledging mitigating factors including the offender’s young age and early admission of guilt.
