A young man, previously jailed for a series of armed robberies in Hamilton, has returned to crime, targeting stores and individuals across New Zealand’s North Island.
According to a report by NZ Herald, Katana Faulkner, 20, first appeared in Hamilton District Court last May for five aggravated robbery charges, including incidents at Yum Yum Lunch Bar, Melville Superette, Super Liquor Frankton, Challenge Service Station, and River Rd Superette between November 2023 and February 2024. Judge Denise Clark initially reduced the defendant's 10-year, two-month sentence by 80%, leaving him with 2 years and 3 weeks behind bars.
However, Faulkner soon reoffended. Between December 8 and 19, 2024, he and accomplices committed a string of robberies in Rotorua, Hamilton, and New Plymouth, targeting liquor stores, dairies, and individuals at a Hamilton house party.
During these incidents, Faulkner and his co-offenders used stolen vehicles, weapons such as knives, hammers, and tyre irons, and threatened staff and customers while stealing cash, alcohol, cigarettes, clothing, and other items, the NZ Herald reported.
In sentencing Faulkner on Wednesday, Judge Clark was far less lenient. She began with a starting point of 10 years and four months, acknowledging the gravity of his crimes, before imposing a five-year, two-month jail term.
The judge noted Faulkner’s difficult childhood, experiences of neglect, ADHD diagnosis, and previous deprivation, but emphasised that his repeated offences required a significant custodial sentence.
According to the NZ Herald, addressing Faulkner directly, Judge Clark encouraged him to use his time in custody constructively, citing programs such as the six-week Butterbean Motivation course and treatment for ADHD. “That is a long time, and my hope is, Katana, that you will set out as you did on remand… You are still really young… You have a good attitude now,” she said.
Crown prosecutor Lexie Glaser requested reparation for the victims, but Judge Clark ruled it impractical given the circumstances.
Faulkner’s latest sentence underscores the court’s commitment to addressing repeat violent offenders while acknowledging the importance of rehabilitation for young offenders with challenging backgrounds, RNZ reported.