Liquor store owner in court

A South Auckland liquor store owner charged with assault after he defended himself against armed robbers, will face a depositions hearing next year to decide if he stands trial.

Virender Singh faced two charges of injuring with intent to injure when he appeared at a pre-depositions hearing in Manukau District Court yesterday.

Singh was remanded for a two-day depositions hearing on March 23 and March 25 when it would be decided if he would stand trial. Seven witnesses were expected to be called.

The charges followed a brawl involving drunken youths outside his liquor store in Otara in September. Singh, 40, said he was forced to defend himself after an attempted robbery at his store.

A 15-year-old male has also been charged after the incident at the Gilbert Rd liquor store in Otara on September 30.

- NZPA