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Hori Irimana Gemmell, 25, was sentenced to three years and a month in prison by Judge Bernadette Farnan in March after he stole a patrol car and two Glock pistols from police and then rammed another patrol car in Gore last year.
Gemmell previously pleaded guilty to illegally seizing a vehicle, two counts of illegal possession of a pistol, illegal possession of ammunition in public, two counts of carjacking and reckless driving.
In August, three months were added to his jail term after assaulting a fellow inmate at Invercargill Men’s Prison.
The police summary of the events said that the incident in the prison occurred on January 17.
At the time of the incident, Gemmell and the victim were at the prison’s North Yard Three, watching other inmates play rugby.
“In an unprovoked attack, the defendant kicked the victim in the head with his right foot.”
Gemmell threw several punches and kicks and stopped only when he saw the Corrections officers through the glass visor of the front door.
The victim received a couple of cuts to the mouth.
He appeared before the Board of Parole on Oct. 16, where panel chair Martha Coleman said he was in no condition to be paroled.
“So far in this sentence there have been a number of misconducts and incidents that have made its safety rating high.”
Coleman said he had a long criminal history and had offended every year since he was 17.
“He has received 25 prison terms and has a history of non-compliance.”
However, he said there has recently been a change in attitude demonstrated by Mr. Gemmell.
“He has realized that he needs to encourage himself with his ideas and behave so that he can undertake rehab and go back to the community and father his two children.”
He will be seen by the parole board again in November of next year.
