Alleged Matangi burnout basher tried to ‘staunch out’ Hamilton judge

Friday, 6 March 2026

One of the boy racers who allegedly bashed a Matangi couple tried to “staunch out” a Hamilton judge before his supporters were removed from the public gallery.

The 25-year-old, who can now be named as Ztanlee Pira, faces two charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one charge of driving while disqualified and one charge of operating a motor vehicle causing a sustained loss of traction.

Appearing before Judge Noel Cocurullo on Friday, Pira’s lawyer entered not guilty pleas to all charges and requested a jury trial.

Matters took a turn, however, when Judge Cocurullo noticed one of Pira’s supporters in the public gallery making gang signs.

He also asked for Pira to be removed from the dock, prompting an angry outburst.

Shouting could also be heard as Pira was removed from the court, and a woman in the gallery called to him “I love you baby”.

He asked security to remove the man from the gallery, telling the court “the next person is going to be arrested and thrown in a cell”.

“If he has an audience he will continue to perform,” he said.

“I observed a gentleman… present both hands in a gang slogan to Mr Pira… the next person is going to be arrested and thrown in a cell.”

Judge Cocurullo said Pira tried to “staunch me out” and said he would have “no hesistation” in arresting anyone for contempt of court.

He also asked Pira’s lawyer directly: “Does your client have some sort of problem?”

He also noted Pira said “the f word” when leaving the dock, something he wanted recorded for Pira’s file.

Pira is set to reappear on April 30.

The alleged offending took place on February 28. Police later confirmed two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.