Alleged gunman appears bewildered in court

David John Bourke in the Palmerston North District Court today. Photo / NZPA

Alleged gunman David John Bourke was subdued and seemed bewildered when remanded for psychiatric assessment after appearing in Palmerston North District Court on a variety of charges this afternoon.

The Wanganui 46-year-old, on the run for 48 hours near Norsewood in southern Hawke's Bay until his arrest yesterday, was dressed in a padded sleeveless smock and shuffled into the dock with assistance from custody officers.

He remained silent throughout the brief hearing and initially seemed to be oblivious to being spoken to by Justice of the Peace George Hills.

The court was advised that Bourke made no plea to three charges - failing to stop and using a firearm against policeman Warwick Davis, both on Sunday, and assaulting another man, Craig Yorston, using a knife as a weapon, yesterday.

He was remanded in custody for a psychiatric assessment and was ordered to reappear on October 21.

Bail was not sought.

As the police investigation continues further charges are expected in relation to the discovery of the body of Bourke's brother Timothy Barry Bourke, 49.

Timothy Bourke's body was found covered by a blanket on the back seat of the green Honda car driven by his brother.

Police confirmed he had died from gunshot wounds.

Other charges are also likely over the subsequent wounding by gunshot of a farm labourer.

The incidents sparked a major manhunt in the southern Hawke's Bay.

Bourke was brought to the court from Palmerston North hospital, where he had been treated for hypothermia. It is thought he was visited by other family before his appearance.

He had been on the run for almost two days before being found by police about 10.40am yesterday in the toilet block of the Norsewood Golf Club, about 70km northeast of Palmerston North.

His Honda car had been pursued by police after he fled a failed alcohol breath test on Sunday. The chase was abandoned but his car was later found crashed on State Highway 2 north of Norsewood, and shots were fired at police.

A short time later Bourke allegedly shot farmhand Chad Hinga in his shoulder, and police discovered the body of Timothy Bourke.

- NZPA