District Court news

Gisborne Courthouse. File picture by Rebecca Grunwell

A MAN accused of intentionally killing a seven-week-old puppy during a family violence incidence, has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.

Police amended the charge faced by Kristian Hamiora Nepe-Mikara, 23, forest worker when he appeared for a case review hearing.

The charge was reduced from one of wilfully ill-treating the puppy by assaulting it causing it to die to one of recklessly ill-treating it.

Nepe-Mikara, represented by counsel Tony Robinson, was remanded on bail for sentence on November 23.

Judge Haami Raumati noted the agreed summary of facts still left the impression Nepe-Mikara had intentionally hurt the dog. Nepe-Mikara was therefore lucky to have been facing the reduced charge, the judge said.

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Lucas Charles Trueman, 29, admitted he discharged a firearm in a public place and drove while over the legal alcohol limit for the third or subsequent time.

He was remanded on bail for sentence on November 23.

Counsel Mark Sceats said the offences occurred when Trueman and his partner were trying to leave a heated situation.

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A workplace incident led to a man being charged with injuring with intent to injure.

Christopher Aldo Boyd, 52, pleaded guilty after that charge was reduced to one of assault laid under the Crimes Act.

He was further remanded on bail for sentence on November 23. His suitability for an electronically-monitored sentence will be assessed.

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