The Mama Hooch trial, Danny Jaz, left, Roberto Jaz appear in the Christchurch District Court charged with sexual violation 07 February 2023. Photo: Supplied / POOL
The two brothers who drugged and committed sexual offences against multiple patrons at the Christchurch bar, Mama Hooch, have been handed lengthy sentences.
Danny and Roberto Jaz used their positions in the family businesses and neighbouring restaurant, Venuti, to routinely spike drinks, drug and sexually violate people between 2015 and 2018.
Roberto Jaz, 38, has been given 17 years in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of 8.5 years.
Danny Jaz, 40, has been given 16.5 years, with no parole available until at least eight years have been served.
Survivors who were drugged and sexually attacked by Danny and Roberto Jaz todaytold a court the brothers' crimes have left them feeling damaged, fearful and forever changed. Nine of the survivors read powerful victim impact statements to the court.
In a judge-alone trial this year, the Jaz brothers were convicted of 69 charges relating to 23 victims, mostly women aged 18 to 24, ranging from rape, assault and sexual violation to making an intimate visual recording, drugging, drink spiking and stupefying.
Judge Paul Mabey KC handed down the sentences a short time ago in Christchurch District Court, following a morning of tearful victim impact statements to the court.
It was greeted with clapping from the packed public gallery.
The judge said the survivors had suffered shame, embarrassment, and overwhelming self-blame.
He told the Jaz brothers they should be in no doubt that they had severely damaged all of their victims.
Police praise courage of victims
The sentences imposed today brought an end to five years of complex and detailed investigation work, and a drawn-out prosecution process, Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, Canterbury Field Crime Manager said.
"I would like to acknowledge and honour all of the victims who bravely came to police to share what had happened to them," he said in a statement.
"Their journey through the process has not been easy, however, because of their courage they have made our community a safer place."
Detective Inspector Scott Anderson speaking to media outside court in Christchurch after the sentencing. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Anderson said the women had helped to raise awareness of this type of predatory behaviour, putting others on notice that this type of offending was serious and would be investigated and prosecuted.
He also acknowledged police investigators, prosecutors and support workers and agencies who put a lot of time and dedication into this case to support and allowed the victims to have a voice.
"We will ensure the victims have access to any support they need as they move forward," Anderson said.
Police continued to encourage anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to make a report, saying they would be taken seriously and offered support.