One of New Zealand’s youngest convicted killers is back in the community again after his assault charge was downgraded today.

Bailey Junior Kurariki had been behind bars since March 29, the last few weeks in police cells, after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend Janie Martin.

He was told when he appeared in Manukau District Court last week that he was on a final warning and that a bail application might not produce a favourable outcome.

But Judge John Adams released him on bail today after agreeing to downgrade his charge from male assaults female to common assault after reading the police summary of facts.

Kurariki admitted the new assault charge and also pleaded guilty to a breach of parole charge. He had previously admitted two other parole breach charges.

His bail conditions include a 7pm-7am curfew and not consuming drugs and alcohol. Police did not oppose bail.

Kurariki gestured to waiting media and said ”f… you” as he left the court just before he was driven away in a Bentley car.

He will be sentenced on the assault charge and the breaching parole charges later this month.

Kurariki was 12 when he was one of six people, all 17 or under, involved in the killing of pizza deliverer Michael Choy in 2001.

He was jailed for seven years for Mr Choy’s manslaughter and released in May 2008.

Kurariki gestured to waiting media and said “f. . . you” as he left the court just before he was driven away in a Bentley car.

He will be sentenced on the assault charge and the breaching parole charges later this month.

Kurariki was 12 when he was one of six people, all 17 or under, involved in the killing of pizza deliverer Michael Choy in 2001.

He was jailed for seven years for Mr Choy’s manslaughter and released in May 2008.

Source: Dominion Post 11/05/09

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