A gang member has been jailed for his role in a violent feud that led to firearms being discharged at an east Auckland home.
Joshua Baker, who belongs to the Killer Beez gang, recently appeared for sentencing before Justice Mathew Downs in the Auckland High Court.
Baker faced two charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and two charges of discharging a firearm with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Justice Downs’ sentencing notes state Baker’s offending forms part of “intergang hostility” between the Tribesmen and Killer Beez from May to June, 2022.
No fewer than 20 shootings and nine arsons were carried out between the two gangs in that time.
At about 6.50pm on May 24, Baker, 23, and three other people drove to the home of a Tribesman member in Glen Osborne Terrace, Flat Bush.
Baker’s group had with them a 20-gauge shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a third unspecified firearm.
“Your group fired at least eight shots toward the home,” Justice Downs said.
“A car in the driveway was hit, as was the home itself. Those in the home returned fire resulting in bullet damage to nearby properties and cars.
“You and the others fled in a car specifically stolen for the purpose.
“You abandoned that car, then got into another which was waiting for you at an arranged meeting point. You and your group drove away at speed.”
Later the same night Baker and two other people went to a home in Henderson, West Auckland, in a second stolen vehicle.
“Your group was armed with at least two firearms,” the judge said.
“As with the first home, you went to the second believing it to be occupied by a member of the Tribesmen gang.
“But that occupant was not living there. His partner was, with her young children.
“Your group drove down the driveway to the home, then revved the car’s engine.
“The female occupant approached the bedroom window. When she did, your group fired repeatedly toward the home.
“At least four shots were fired. One entered the window, narrowly missing her head.
“Another hit the window frame. As with the first shooting, your group then drove away at speed.”
The judge said aggravating factors in the case were that it was gang-related and premeditated and there was a high risk of serious harm or worse to an occupant, neighbour or someone else who happened to be present.
The judge then spoke directly to Baker, saying: “You have your partner in court with your child. Imagine they had been in the bedroom that night.
“Imagine they had been at risk. That is what you need to think about. Understood?”
Baker was sentenced to serve four and a half years in prison.
