One of the 32 fighters involved in a controversial and unregulated backyard fight contest at the weekend has been referred to the police.
The man, whom RNZ’s Checkpoint understands to be a senior Mongrel Mob member from the Bay of Plenty, was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet in footage of his fight released to social media and was supposed to be attending a rehabilitation programme.
Over 30 fighters gathered on Saturday in an undisclosed Auckland backyard to compete for a $50,000 prize. Social media posts show the event promoted by well-known MMA fighter Dan “Hangman” Hooker.
It was billed as 32 fighters going head to head in one minute scraps to be the last man standing and crowned king of the streets. All fighters were subsequently offered $1000 for competing.
Checkpoint raised the issue with Corrections earlier today.
Its director of community operations David Grigg said the gang member with the electronic monitoring bracelet was granted approval to attend a rehabilitation programme by a provider approved by the courts. He says it was part of the man’s bail conditions. He said Corrections received assurance the absence was for a rehabilitation activity focussed on wellness and physical health.
He said since receiving new information about the nature of the gang member’s absence, it has now been referred to the police.
rnz.co.nz
