Group charged over fatal bashing appear in court

The crime scene in Featherston, and Glen Jones (inset). Photos / Rebecca Quilliam

A group of young people charged over the fatal bashing of a Wairarapa supermarket worker have appeared in court ahead of their trial next year.

Featherston man Glen Jones, 40, died in hospital from serious head injuries he suffered in an attack at his home in January.

Three men and a woman have pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary and murder.

Kristopher Jones, 23, Tariana Jones, 32, Matthew McKinney, 28, and Hayden Ranson, 27, made a brief appearance in the High Court at Wellington today.

A fifth person, Toni Miller, 22, who has been charged with aggravated robbery, also appeared.

The hearing before Justice Alan MacKenzie today was to consider submissions on evidence to be presented at their trial in Wellington in March.

Part of the hearing was to be held in chambers, which means it cannot be reported.

Both women remain on bail while the three men remain in custody.