Photo: Belinda Feek/NZME/Supplied
A woman whose brother was killed by a group of Mongrel Mob members says she feels revictimised, after a judge stopped her from reading out all her pre-approved victim impact statement.
Paula Beilby was not only stopped, but was also chided by Justice Mary Peters, after suggesting the defendant was given special treatment, because he had a separate trial from his nine co-accused.
"My apologies," Beilby replied, "I'm only reading what I've got."
"I don't care what you're reading, it's totally unacceptable for you to say that," the judge responded, before telling her to sit down at the back of the court.
Eventually, after a second victim impact was given by another person, the courtroom was put into chambers. When it was re-opened, Beilby was told she was not allowed back in.
The move left Beilby feeling frustrated and revictimised.
"I felt being pulled aside and made an example of... it was a bit rich, considering why we were there, and I feel like justice has not been served in this case."
Beilby's brother, Mitchell Te Kani, was killed, after being struck with a crowbar, during a brawl at their family home in Tauranga in 2023.
Nine people stood trial last year and were sentenced in relation to his death earlier this year.
At a separate trial, a 10th person - Hamiora William
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