Man accused of murdering sex offender bailed

A man charged with the murder of his stepfather, who was a convicted sex offender, has been freed on bail in a Hamilton court this morning.

Thirty-year-old Jamie Davies made a brief appearance in Hamilton District Court and the JP who granted him bail made no further explanation.

Bail laws were freed up recently under a new rule which dictates that alleged offenders must be freed if they do not pose a risk to public safety.

Davies is accused of murdering his stepfather 57-year-old Allan Davies, whose body was found in a burnt-out Ngaruawahia home late last month.

Jamie Davies is also charged with arson.

Allan Davies had been awaiting sentence on historic sex charges.

- NZPA