4 Apr 2014

Dealer killed over four tinnies, court told

7:30 am on 4 April 2014

Two men sentenced for killing a cannabis dealer carried out the attack for the sake of four tinnies.

At the High Court in Auckland on Thursday, Justice Venning sentenced Trevor Tafutu to six years and 10 months in prison and Sinoma Liatoa to five years and 10 months.

Both had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter, aggravated robbery and assault on a female.

The court heard how the pair had been drinking and decided to go to Michael Roberts's Three Kings home to get some cannabis. They barged in and Tafutu punched Mr Roberts's partner in the face before beating Mr Roberts. He died of a heart attack soon after.

Justice Venning took time off the sentences because Tafutu and Liatoa took part in a restorative justice conference with Mr Roberts's partner.