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Offender Database Edward Rihia

Edward James Rihia

Alias

.

Offences

Armed robbery of an Auckland man in October 1989, plus numerous other convictions for assault, burglary etc
Also stabbed Mt Eden prison officer Paul Hemaloto in 1990

Victims

.

Offender Affiliations

Thomas Epiha

Gang affiliations

Mongrel Mob

Age

Born 1969

Current Location

unknown

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to seven years in December 1989
Will have spent additional time for the 1990 stabbing
Released March 1997

Background
NZ Herald story here and further from NZ Herald story December 1989 (condensed here)
A man described as a "walking crime wave" was sentenced yesterday to seven years jail for aggravated robbery, burglary and theft offences. In the High court at Auckland, Mr Justice Sinclair said Edward James Rihia, aged 20, had a horrific list of previous convictions, with alcohol a major factor in most.

Rihia, unemployed, of Orakei, was sentenced to four years jail for an armed robbery committed on October 30th in which he used a wooden chair leg to rob Mr Zhug Gung Zhong of his station wagon and some personal possessions. He was also sentenced to 18 months on each charge of stealing a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver and a hand grenade from the Auckland War Memorial Museum in August and the burglary of a Pt Chevalier house on October 20th.

Mr Justice Sinclair said he drew the inference that the weapons had been stolen for use in other offences. At this point the defendant began interjecting from the dock, bringing a swift response from the judge. "You think that you are the big man who can get drunk, do what you like, then snap your fingers and get away with it" he said. The defendant swore at the judge as he was led from the court.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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