Freed man after $400k compo

Zion King. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A man who spent 14 months in jail after being wrongly accused of killing his neighbour is seeking $400,000 compensation.

In February a High Court judge ruled there was not enough evidence to proceed with the trial of Zion King, 48, of Napier, for the murder of Chattrice Maihi-Carroll in January 2008.

King's lawyer Peter Williams QC confirmed a claim had been made to the Ministry of Justice. It is understood the claim is for damages of $350,000 plus lost earnings.

"I have lost everything," King said.

Private investigators employed by King's defence team found workmates who claimed he told them about the murders before police released the information had confused their dates.