A DRUG-FUELLED kidnapping during which two local men forced another Mount Gambier man to withdraw $8000 from a bank has led to the pair receiving lengthy prison sentences.
New Zealand-born Benjamin Peter Aranui, 30, and local man Adam Gary Wiggins, 33, appeared in the Adelaide District Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for charges of false imprisonment, aggravated theft and aggravated robbery.
The pair were found guilty of the offences at trial in October and Judge Gordon Barrett showed no leniency when sentencing the two men this week.
Facing an extra charge of attempting to dissuade a witness, Wiggins was sentenced to eight years and 11 months with a six year non-parole period, while Aranui was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with a four year non-parole period.
The offending occurred on January 6, 2016, when Wiggins and Aranui attended at another man’s house after they were informed he had received an inheritance of $15,000.
The victim opened his front door at 7am and saw Wiggins holding a samurai sword and Aranui holding a tomahawk.
Wiggins and Aranui immediately began threatening the victim and asking him about the inheritance he had received.
The victim immediately feared for his safety after the pair said they would “take him out to the pines and cut his legs off”.
Aranui stole a torch and GoPro video camera from the premises before all three men left on foot.
The victim felt he had no choice but to go with Aranui and Wiggins.
They attended another property where Wiggins demanded a debt from another person before assaulting him.
“I find that the two of you took the victim there so that you, Wiggins, could demonstrate the force that you were willing to use,” Judge Barrett said.
The three men then walked to a third property and the victim said Wiggins continued to swing the sword in front of him as they walked.
After arriving at the shed of the premises, Aranui and Wiggins told an occupant of the property to watch the victim while they had a discussion.
The pair then rang the victim’s bank and when the victim refused to speak, the prosecution alleged that Aranui hit him in the face with a motorcycle shock absorber.
At the trial, the jury was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt the assault occurred and both men were acquitted on the related charge.
The three men then attended the bank branch on Bay Road and the two defendants argued about whether either of the pair should enter the building with the victim.
Wiggins did go in with the victim and could be seen on security camera footage standing very close to the victim while he made the withdrawal.
“It is plain from the footage inside the bank that the victim was nervous and reluctant to withdraw the money,” Judge Barrett said.
“As you, Wiggins, left the teller’s window, the victim is shown on the television handing over the $8000 to you.”
After making the withdrawal, the victim “bolted” from the scene.
Wiggins was then seen on security camera footage at the Mount Gambier Hotel gambling large sums of money.
“You, Wiggins, told me in your evidence that you went to the Mount Gambier Hotel gambling your own money and that you took the $8000 across the border to Victoria and paid your drug dealer,” Judge Barrett said.
“I do not accept that evidence.”
The matter was drawn to the attention of police and the pair were arrested on January 7 and remanded in custody.
Citing Wiggins long criminal history and personal circumstances, Judge Barrett said there was a high risk he would re-offend.
“Very extensive psychological and psychiatric treatment is going to be needed to keep you out of trouble,” Judge Barrett said.
When sentencing Aranui, he highlighted the fact there was a high risk of further aggressive behaviour if he is unable to refrain from drug use.
“It may be that you will be deported when you are released from prison,” Judge Barrett said.
Aranui’s sentence was backdated to commence on August 6, 2016, and Wiggins’ sentence was backdated to May 8, 2016
