R v Hemopo

The High Court of New Zealand considered the sentencing of Ruka Te Pono Hemopo, who was found guilty of attempted murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court identified the use of weapons, extreme violence, and attacks to the head as significant aggravating factors. The court also considered the defendant's personal circumstances, including his history of mental health issues and alcohol abuse. The court determined a starting point of eight years and six months' imprisonment for the attempted murder charge and five years and six months' imprisonment for the wounding charge, to be served concurrently. After considering mitigating factors, such as the defendant's mental health issues, the court ultimately sentenced the defendant to six years and six months' imprisonment on the attempted murder charge and four years and four months' imprisonment on the wounding charge, to be served concurrently, with a maximum of six years and six months in prison. The court also ordered that the names and identifying particulars of the victims be permanently suppressed.