Air New Zealand hijack accused to stand trial

A depositions hearing in Christchurch has concluded that accused Asha Ali Abdille should stand trial for the hijacking of an Air New Zealand plane in Christchurch in February.

The 34-year-old Somali woman faces six charges, including hijacking the Air New Zealand plane on its way from Blenheim to Christchurch.

The depositions hearing today heard that Ali Abdille admitted she should have stabbed the pilot.

Constable Nigel Barton took the stand this morning and talked about her arrest and what Abdille said to him after being read her bill of rights.

He says Abdille told him she went easy on the pilot because of the other passengers, but should have killed him.

Mr Barton says Abdille also called the pilot a liar for not taking the plane to Australia as she had demanded.

- NEWSTALK ZB