Pre-sentence reports were ordered, but Gugich told Corrections he was unwilling to provide an address as he wanted to \u201ckeep his affairs to himself\u201d, the judge said.<\/p>\n
Gugich\u2019s lawyer, Kerrie Scott, said he was \u201ctaken by surprise\u201d when he read the report, which had left Gugich with limited options.<\/p>\n
However, Scott pushed for a reconciliatory approach, submitting that the case could be referred to restorative justice and that community work could be an appropriate sentence. <\/p>\n
\u201cI made it pretty clear at the end of the hearing that this was serious, that I wanted electronically monitored options, and he\u2019s seen fit not to see it as being that serious community-wise,\u201d Judge Davis responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re having a serious disagreement as to the gravity of this offending here. And sorry, I win these arguments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judge Davis said Gugich did not appear remorseful, despite the victim providing a victim impact statement that said he loved his brother and did not want to see him go to jail.<\/p>\n
Gugich then addressed the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have thought about what happened, and I\u2019m very shocked and very sorry about it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have wanted to apologise personally, but the no-contact order prevented me from doing so. <\/p>\n
\u201cSince the passing of our mother, we have become closer. Having Craig in my life is something I want very much, as we do get along in a positive way and also we do need each other, especially now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anthony Gugich, pictured as a bird in an AI-generated image, submitted a letter of support to the court from his local pet shop. Photo \/ Facebook<\/p>\n
The letter from the pet shop was given to the court, in which the owner said Gugich owned a rare African grey parrot called Blue, which belonged to his mother, and often brought it in for treats.<\/p>\n
\u201cTony and a selection of other customers buy a toy or treat for their feathered friends as payment for a wing clip,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also have birds, but not as big as Blue. In the time that I have known Tony, I have found him to be very easy to chat with, and I know that I could trust him with my flock if I needed someone to take care of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
In sentencing Gugich, Judge Davis did not comment on the letter from the pet shop, but said the assault was significant, given that it involved repeated blows to the head with a weapon and required hospital treatment.<\/p>\n
The judge also said the victim had revealed in his statement that there had been no offer of reconciliation and Gugich breached his bail \u201calmost every day\u201d by not keeping his distance from him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou broke those conditions nearly every day, he says,\u201d Judge Davis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou refused to provide electronic monitoring options to the court, not that I would have adopted them anyway. Your view was this should be dealt with by way of community work. You should keep your affairs to yourself, so to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, this offending, in my view, is significantly beyond the scope where community work would be the appropriate sentencing outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
He sentenced Gugich to two years and six months\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n
At that point, Gugich slumped forward and put his head in his hands.<\/p>\n
Gugich was also issued a strike under the three-strikes law.<\/p>\n
Shannon Pitman is a Whang\u0101rei-based reporter for Open Justice covering courts in the Te Tai Tokerau region. She is of Ng\u0101puhi\/Ng\u0101ti P\u016bkenga descent and has worked in digital media for the past five years. She joined NZME in 2023.<\/p>\n