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Offender Databases Matthew Momo

Matthew James Momo

Alias

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Offences

Two aggravated assaults, plus numerous thefts, burglaries and dangerous driving offences, all committed while on parole
Preior convictions include two aggravated robberies and numerous driving offences

Victims

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Offender Affiliations

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Gang affiliations

none known

Age

Born 1981

Current Location

unknown

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to just 3 years 10 months in June 2005

Background
Christchurch Press story 11/06/2005
A recidivist described by a judge as an unrelenting criminal with an appalling history at the age of 24 has been jailed for nearly four years. Passing sentence of three years and 10 months on Matthew James Momo for 14 offences committed while on parole, Christchurch District Court Judge Michael Crosbie said the time had come where Momo's need for rehabilitation was outweighed by public protection. "Your history is appalling. The current spate of offences shows a total disregard of property, police and public," he said.

It may be that Momo, 24, became institutionalised, but that risk had to fall on his shoulders. "You are an unrelenting criminal even at your age." Crimes Momo admitted included breaching conditions of release, theft, two of theft of vehicles, burglary, taking a car, dangerous driving, two counts of aggravated assault, two of failing to stop for police, and driving while forbidden. Released from jail on January 19, he first breached release conditions only six days later. Then, on February 17, with a 13- year-old female associate, he went to Waikuku Beach, where a three- wheel motorcycle was taken, and also a Nissan Terrano four-wheel- drive that was later "ringed" for resale.

Property worth $1500 in it was lost, the judge said. With the same associate, he then took property worth $9120 from a car, and later 320 litres of diesel and a battery from a truck yard. Momo was caught by police and bailed, but he was seen taking another car by the owner, who called the police, and an officer was dragged 20m by Momo while he tried to stop him driving away. A dangerous chase ensued at speeds of more than 100kmh, Momo running several red lights on the way. When finally boxed in by police in Hagley Avenue, Momo repeatedly rammed them.

No mitigating factors other than guilty pleas existed, and Momo appeared to show no remorse. Momo had 26 previous convictions, including two for aggravated robbery, 14 for vehicle- related crime and eight for breaching court orders or escaping. Momo's adoptive father had now washed his hands of him. He clearly had issues, including drug and alcohol dependence. Counsel Rupert Glover had said Momo had a genuine desire to address the problems, but that was difficult to assess, the judge said. There was no point in ordering reparation. It was a long sentence, and reparation might only encourage more offending on his release.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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