In connection with a deadly home invasion near the Gold Coast in which a group was wearing Halloween masks, a man and a woman have received sentences.
Phoenix Nugent, 27, and Matthew David Taylor, 32, who admitted to manslaughter in connection with the attack that took place in October 2019 at a residence close to the Scenic Rim in south-east Queensland, will be let out from detention.
The trio allegedly entered the home of 48-year-old father Michael Menzel wearing “menacing masks” due to an alleged drug debt, according to testimony presented today at Brisbane Supreme Court.
The crew was equipped with shotguns, machetes, and bats, among other weapons.
Menzel was wounded twice, once in the leg, and passed away before being taken to the hospital.
A adolescent girl who was present at the time and saw what happened testified in court.
Another man received a hammer blow to the head.
Nugent’s crimes included purchasing Halloween costumes and zip ties.
Justice Thomas Bradley stated, “You demanded [the young girl’s] phone and tablet… you were clothed in black and wearing a white skeleton mask.
The young girl reportedly still has “night terrors” in court.
The automobile utilised in the home invasion was allegedly set on fire by Taylor.
The judge took into account the three and a half years that both co-accused had spent in pre-sentence prison.
Although Taylor and Nugent were both given a five-year prison term, they were both released from incarceration as of today after taking into account other circumstances.
They received probationary terms and suspended sentences.
