Attack accused rejects court's jurisdiction

One of four men charged with aggravated robbery at a farm belonging to Rotorua businessman Peter Bentley says he wants to be dealt with under Maori sovereignty law.

Hopihana Epiha, 40, has also told a court two of the other men charged were not involved.

Epiha, who is charged with aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, said he wanted to make a statement when he appeared in Rotorua District Court yesterday.

He told the presiding Justices of the Peace two of the other men charged -- Desmond Mahanga Eru, 22, and Ronald Dean Hira, 28, -- were not involved in the aggravated robbery on October 23 last year.

Epiha, who is in custody, said he wanted to apply for bail on the grounds he did not understand the New Zealand justice system or recognise it.

He said he wanted to be dealt with under Maori sovereignty Aotearoa New Zealand law.

A request for bail on the same grounds was made by another accused, Mano James Tamati, 29, who faces charges of aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

All four men including Eru, who is charged with aggravated robbery, burglary and aggravated burglary, and Hira, who is charged with aggravated robbery, were remanded to appear for a pre-depositions hearing on Friday.

All but Eru were remanded in custody. His appearance on Friday was excused as long as his lawyer is there.

The charges were laid after Rotorua businessman Peter Bentley, 54, was beaten and stabbed by two masked men as he left his farm east of Te Puke.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)