Auckland Man with 70 Theft Convictions Jailed for Shooting Man in Stolen Bentley Incident

Auckland has seen yet another shocking chapter in its crime history, as a man with a long and violent criminal record was sentenced to jail for shooting a man during a confrontation that escalated from a personal feud. Matthew Vernall, a 30-something man with a history of 70 theft convictions, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of wounding with intent to injure.

Vernall and his co-accused, Antony Gray, were involved in a violent incident in 2023, during which Vernall shot a man through the window of his car. The attack, which occurred in Manukau, was the result of a growing tension between the two men, who were not on good terms. The incident unfolded in the early evening, with Gray contacting Vernall via Snapchat and later calling the victim to confirm his whereabouts before the attack.

According to court documents, the victim was not expecting the confrontation and was caught off guard when Vernall, wearing a black face covering, pointed a gun at him and fired. The victim was severely injured and required emergency surgery, including the removal of part of his bowel. The court heard that the attack was premeditated and that both men had shut down their electronic bail-trackers, making them more vulnerable to the situation.

Judge Yelavich, who presided over the sentencing, noted the use of a lethal weapon and the severity of the injury, which significantly impacted the victim’s life. The judge also highlighted the men’s history of offending, including their prior convictions and the fact that Vernall was legally barred from possessing a firearm at the time of the attack.

Despite his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts while in prison, Vernall’s sentence was adjusted to account for his previous convictions and the aggravating factors of the case. His sentence was ultimately reduced by 40%, but an uplift was applied due to his prior criminal record. This led to a final prison term of 28 months for Vernall.

Gray, on the other hand, received a sentence of 24 months, which was converted to seven months of home detention. The judge acknowledged Gray’s efforts in rehabilitation and his history of addiction, but the sentence was adjusted to reflect his previous offending and the fact that he had been on bail at the time of the attack.

Vernall’s criminal past has been a point of public concern, as he had previously been caught driving a stolen Bentley and was involved in multiple thefts. In February, he was sentenced to 22 months in prison after being caught with stolen vehicles and drugs. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of repeat offenders and the need for stronger rehabilitation and supervision for individuals with such extensive criminal histories.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of addressing underlying issues such as addiction, mental health, and lack of proper oversight for individuals with a history of criminal behavior. As Vernall and Gray face the long road of rehabilitation, the case highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to criminal justice that balances punishment with the opportunity for redemption.