A Blenheim teenager has a strike against his name under the new "three strikes" legislation after he attacked and robbed another man and ordered him to strip naked.
Jake Anthony Tapp, 18, labourer, admitted a charge of robbery when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday. He was remanded on bail for sentencing on November 15.
Judge Richard Russell said the conviction would be a strike offence under the new "three strikes" legislation. Tapp's age was the only thing that saved him from being remanded in custody, he said.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve Frost said Tapp had been drinking at his home on September 10, and about 9.30pm he asked two female friends to set up a meeting with the victim, who he had gone to school with. Tapp wanted to confront him about them getting into trouble several years earlier for stealing Tapp's father's car.
Before meeting the victim, Tapp changed into a camouflage shirt and pants, heavy boots and a balaclava so he would not be recognised, Mr Frost said.
The female friends met the victim near Nelson St while Tapp and two other friends waited about 50 metres away, Mr Frost said. Tapp followed the group as they walked towards Bohally Intermediate School, pulling down his balaclava as they walked across the playing fields.
Tapp pushed the victim into a fence and began punching him in the head, telling him to do as he was told or his throat would be cut.
The victim's head was bashed against a tree, Mr Frost said.
Tapp punched the victim in the face, ordered him to empty his pockets and took his bag, throwing it to the girls, who were standing close by.
Tapp then told the victim to strip, and beat him around the head and body when he objected, Mr Frost said.
Tapp went behind the victim as he was taking off his pants, wrapped his legs and arms around his body and neck and squeezed for about 10 seconds. The attack stopped only when one of Tapp's friends intervened, which gave the victim time to escape to a nearby house and call the police, Mr Frost said.
The victim suffered cuts and abrasions to his face and body and bruised ribs.
Police found Tapp in his car with the balaclava and some of the victim's property.
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