Hung jury for former candidate

A former political candidate faces the prospect of a retrial for attempted murder after a High Court jury failed to reach a verdict yesterday.

A former political candidate faces the prospect of a retrial for attempted murder after a High Court jury failed to reach a verdict yesterday.

Maurice Wairau, a former Ikaroa-Rawhiti byelection candidate, was on trial at the High Court in Napier this week for the attempted murder of a Hastings social worker on December 20, 2012.

The jury deliberated for four- and-a-half hours before indicating to Justice Susan Thomas that they were unable to reach a unanimous or majority decision.

The Crown alleged the 37-year-old political hopeful entered the social worker's home in Hastings, armed with a knife, before stabbing and repeatedly beating the man.

During his evidence, the complainant said he was asleep when Wairau presented himself as a "hazy figure" before feeling a "searing, sharp, burning sensation" when he was stabbed.

The complainant declined to comment outside court following the hung jury.

Crown prosecutor Clayton Walker said Wairau has been remanded in custody until September 23, when the Crown will advise its position on a retrial.

On June 9 Wairau pleaded guilty to three charges related to the attack, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and arson, after he set alight a Housing New Zealand property in Palmerston North earlier on December 20.

Wairau contested the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate as an independent following the death of Labour MP Parekura Horomia in April last year. He was also an unsuccessful candidate in the 2011 general election.