Christchurch man shot by police named as Murray James Allan

A man shot by police officers in Christchurch last month can today be named for the first time as Murray James Allan, 24, of Parklands, Christchurch.

A man shot by police officers in Christchurch last month can today be named for the first time.

Murray James Allan, 24, suffered minor injuries in the incident which came after he allegedly pointed a blank firing pistol at officers who approached a car he was in early on February 4 in Woolston.

When Allan, of the Parklands area of the city, first appeared at Christchurch District Court last month, a bandage covered his forehead above his left eye.

He was initially charged with possession of a firearm, namely a pistol, and using a firearm against a member of police acting in the course of their duty.

An interim suppression had also prevented publication of his name, and of the facts surrounding the case.

However, when Allan appeared in court today via audio visual link from prison, police withdrew the earlier charges and replaced them with three new charges, including carrying an imitation firearm, namely a blank firing pistol except for lawful, proper or sufficient purpose, assaulting a police constable with the blank firing pistol, and possession of 9mm ammunition.

Defence counsel Serena Bailey said she needed time to go through 250 pages of disclosure, including transcripts of interviews with police officers.

Judge Tom Gilbert remanded Allan without plea in custody until April 3.

He also granted a police application to have the names of three witnesses - all serving police officers - suppressed on the grounds of undue hardship. They were not named in open court.

A 37-year-old man also allegedly in the car that night has been charged with possessing drug utensils.

Investigations are ongoing. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.