1.00pm
Coral-Ellen Burrows' stepfather, Steven Williams, threatened to kill a 16-year-old boy and attacked him at a house in Featherston in July, Masterton District Court was told today.
Williams, 29, a beneficiary, today appeared on several charges. They include two charges of assault, one of those using a Lada as a weapon
against Coral's uncle, Terry Cremen, on September 2.
He did not plead to those two charges.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening to kill and a Crimes Act assault against a 16-year-old youth on July 26.
Coral has not been seen since Tuesday morning when she was dropped at school in Featherston with her older brother by Williams.
A search was launched after it was discovered she did not catch the bus home.
The charges today are unrelated to that inquiry.
Police prosecutor Garry Wilson told the court Williams went to a house where the 16-year-old was in an angry and agitated state about 7pm.
He tried to pull the youth out the house, demanding he go with him.
The boy refused and Williams grabbed him by the throat and forced him against a wall. He managed to force the youth outside. The pair struggled and ended up back inside the house.
Inside the kitchen, Williams lifted the boy on to a stove while holding him by the throat.
He said several times he would kill the youth. The boy suffered minor injuries, the court was told.
Mr Wilson said the attack followed incidents on previous days.
Williams also pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with an excess breath alcohol level on August 9.
The court was told Williams hit a power pole, damaging the front of his car. He told police he shouldn't have been driving as he had been drinking.
His breath alcohol level was 834mcg. The legal limit is 400mcg per litre of breath.
Judge John Dalmer stood the matter down until 2.15pm today to read a probation report.
On the two September 2 assault charges, Williams was remanded in custody until October 29 for a pre-depositions meeting. He was not required to appear on that date.
Defence lawyer Jock Blathwayt said the charges would be defended.
A small group of onlookers gathered to watch Williams as he was escorted by police from court.
He turned and scowled at them, raising a finger and yelling obscenities as he passed.
One member of the public yelled obscenities back.
Masterton resident Carmelle Hoskin said she had come to court hoping to catch a glimpse of Williams.
"He lives in this area and I live in this area and I wanted to see what he looks like."
Williams was to be sentenced on the charges of threatening to kill, assault and drink-driving at 2.15pm.
- NZPA
1.00pm
Coral-Ellen Burrows' stepfather, Steven Williams, threatened to kill a 16-year-old boy and attacked him at a house in Featherston in July, Masterton District Court was told today.
Williams, 29, a beneficiary, today appeared on several charges. They include two charges of assault, one of those using a Lada as a weapon
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.