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In the Blenheim District Court this morning, Tiare Epere, 35, a plasterer of Havelock admitted stealing about $15,000 during a robbery on July 25 where he pointed a shotgun at patrons and the bar manager of an Auckland bar and hit the manager in the head with the gun. He was remanded in custody for sentence on December 4.
Police prosecutor sergeant Mark Harris said the incident began when Epere and three others entered the Thirsty Whale Bar on Mt Albert Rd, Auckland about 10.45pm and demanded the patrons lay on the floor, while Epere waived the gun at them.
Two of the group demanded money from the till, taking $2000-$3000 from the till and $400 in coins from a safe under the counter, he said.
The pair then forced the manager at gunpoint to a room containing poker machines and took money from four machines before taking him into a back office and demanding he open a safe, he said.
The manager said he could not open the safe, there was a struggle and Epere hit him about the head with the shotgun, leaving him with a cut to the back of his head requiring six stitches, Mr Harris said.
While Epere and his associate were with the manager the other men took wallets, cell phones and cash from the other patrons, he said. The group then fled in a stolen car, he said.
Police spoke to Epere on August 10, but he refused to comment, Mr Harris said.
On September 3, police caught two of Epere's associates who had been on the run for three weeks and one acknowledged the police version of events.
A charge of using a firearm during a crime was withdrawn.
- The Marlborough Express
