Answers still sought 10 years after son's death

Nicholas Munro. Photo / Otago Daily Times

A Dunedin man is still seeking answers more than 10 years after his son died after being king-hit in the central city.

An inquest will be held in Dunedin today into the death of 18-year-old Nicholas Munro, who died in Dunedin Hospital, days after he was punched at a taxi stand outside a bar in Frederick St, Dunedin, in March 2005.

No charges were laid by police after two investigations into the death.

Mr Munro's father, John, said he was "surprised" when he was told a coroner's court hearing into the death would be held today.

In 2008, an inquest into the death was adjourned after Mr Munro indicated to coroner David Crerar he intended to lodge a complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Mr Munro said his son, at the time of the incident, weighed 74kg, was 1.7m tall and was intoxicated and did not represent a threat.

"Nicholas didn't die of natural causes, he didn't kill himself. He was punched so hard that he was knocked unconscious that when he hit the ground he sustained a fatal head injury.

"What was he defending himself from is a question I've always wanted answered and it has never been adequately answered."

He still believed the police investigations were "flawed".

"I convinced the police to open a second inquiry because I felt the first inquiry wasn't robust enough ... I continue to believe they got it wrong," Mr Munro said.

An IPCA spokeswoman said it received a complaint on behalf of Mr Munro in October 2009.

The authority's decision was given to Mr Munro, the Commissioner of Police and Mr Crerar in 2010, but was never made public.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said Mr Crerar wanted to finalise the case.

A Dunedin police spokesman said police declined to comment on the case yesterday because it could prejudice the inquest.

Mr Munro was told of today's hearing on September 24 and given until October 8 to prepare his submissions.

Mr Munro said his family did not want to return to past debates today.

"Whatever we do, we are going to do in a respectful manner.

"We are not going to be throwing our toys."

The hearing would not bring any closure to the "devastating" loss.

"I don't think as a parent, you ever have closure ... as time goes on, it becomes a little bit easier but it's still there and it always will be."