Takarangi Hohepa Paku sentenced after breaking into home, threatening men with knife

A drunk teenager who broke into a stranger’s home on the Central Coast and threatened two men with a knife, telling them “I don’t want to kill you”, has been sentenced in court.

Takarangi Hohepa Paku, 19, was sentenced in Gosford District Court on Wednesday.

A drunk teenager who broke into a stranger’s home in Tumbi Umbi and threatened two men with a knife, telling them “I don’t want to kill you”, has been sentenced in court.

Takarangi Hohepa Paku, 19, was sentenced in Gosford District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to aggravated break and enter, and possessing a prohibited drug.

Paku entered a home in Tumbi Umbi on March 24, after 11pm, by opening a glass sliding door while talking on his mobile phone.

A man who was home at the time said, “Who are you?” to which Paku replied, “I need your help.”

The victim responded, “I don’t know you, what are you doing in my house?” before waking his friend who was asleep in the lounge room.

Takarangi Hohepa Paku, 19, was sentenced in Gosford District Court on Wednesday. FILE PIC

Paku then walked into the kitchen, appeared “distressed”, and grabbed a large kitchen knife.

He swung the knife at both victims from about an arm’s length away.

Paku said, “I don’t want to kill you,” and one of the victims responded, “What are you doing? Put the knife down. Who the hell are you?”

Takarangi Hohepa Paku, 19, was sentenced in Gosford District Court on Wednesday.

Fearing for their safety, the victims moved back into the lounge room, fled the house, and drove away before calling police.

When officers arrived, Paku was holding a large kitchen knife in one hand and a hammer in the other.

Police drew their firearms and ordered him to the ground before arresting him and taking him to the station.

During his police interview, Paku said he had been out drinking with mates, and repeatedly told officers he was being set up, was being chased, and feared for his life.

Takarangi Hohepa Paku, 19, was sentenced in Gosford District Court on Wednesday.

“I’m so sorry. I’m very drunk and I’ve been chased. They set me up,” he told police, adding that he walked straight into the house because “someone tried to put a bat on me”.

Officers also located a bag belonging to Paku that contained 29 grams of cannabis.

The court heard Paku deeply regrets the incident, which was described as being fuelled by fear, exhaustion, and intoxication, rather than intent to harm.

The court was also told Paku acknowledges the need to distance himself from drug use and certain social circles.

Judge Tanya Bright said such behaviour could not be tolerated, but the court was hopeful Paku would remain drug and alcohol free upon his release.

“It is the only way the offender will ensure there is no further offending. He has a very long life ahead of him, one that will be wasted if he returns to drug and alcohol use,” Ms Bright said.

Paku was sentenced to 11 months’ jail, to be served by way of an intensive corrections order in the community.