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Offender Databases Marcus Whakataka

Marcus Jason Whakataka

Alias

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Offences

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm by stabbing a Hamilton Police officer four times in May 2007
Also breach of a protection order
Previous convictions for violence

Victims

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Offender Affiliations

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Gang affiliations

none known

Age

Born 1976

Current Location

unknown

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to just 6 years in September 2008

Background
NZ Herald story here
From a stuff Article 25 September 2008
A man has been jailed for stabbing a Hamilton policeman last year in an incident that highlighted the botched roll-out of stab-proof vests for police officers. Acting Sergeant Andrew Grice spent several days in intensive care after being stabbed four times in the back and shoulder in an incident on May 9 last year. At the time he had been incorrectly measured for a stab-proof vest and was waiting on another fitting.

The man who stabbed Mr Grice was jailed for six years this week, the Waikato Times reported. Marcus Whakataka, 32, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and breaching a protection order. The crown withdrew a charge of attempted murder. The High Court in Hamilton was told Whakataka had a history of mental illness and used cannabis at "harmful levels". Whakataka was to stand trial for attempted murder, but the Crown withdrew the charge after he pleaded guilty to the less serious wounding charge.

Defence counsel Roger Laybourn said Whakataka's lack of remorse and failure to accept responsibility for his actions reflected his state of mind. Whakataka had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and used cannabis at harmful levels. A report said he had a history of violence and dishonesty convictions, and showed little interest in curbing his drug use. Justice Lynton Stevens said public safety was an important consideration in sentencing Whakataka. "In this case it was centimetres away from dare one say severing the spine or damaging the spine." He said Whakataka would require active mental health treatment and a recommendation would be made for Whakataka to be detained in hospital.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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