Tensions between rival gangs spilled over at a High Court hearing in Auckland on Wednesday morning for a Head Hunters member accused of murder.
Justice Matthew Downs took the “extraordinary step” of clearing the public gallery to avoid violence, before Sione Tupou pleaded guilty to murdering Texas Jack Doctor last year.
He also pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a pistol.
About a dozen supporters of Tupou had packed into the courtroom to watch the arraignment, as had others wearing t-shirts commemorating Doctor.
As Tupou was brought into the dock, a woman from the latter group called out, “look at you”, and the groups began swearing and shouting at each other.
The court was adjourned while security guards and police officers removed the onlookers – some in tears.
Justice Matthew Downs said it was a “profound shame” Tupou had to enter pleas in a closed court, but “it was clear that there was going to be violence”.
He said he was not confident that security would be able to contain the violence without injury.
Doctor, 22, was found dead in a car outside a vape store in Mount Wellington last July, following reports of gunfire.
Tupou turned himself in to the College Hill police station in Auckland the following week, and was charged with murder.
He was due to be sentenced in August.
By Katie Todd of rnz.co.nz
