Man admits murdering neighbour

Colin Albert Hoani plead guilty to the murder of his neighbour. Photo / Thinkstock

A man charged with the murder of his 67-year-old Christchurch neighbour last month has pleaded guilty today.

Colin Albert Hoani, 59, appeared at the High Court in Christchurch to admit killing Valmai Jean McFie.

Mrs McFie's body was discovered by a resident outside a city council housing complex in Macgibbon Place, Spreydon about 6.30pm on July 20.

Hoani was found at the complex and arrested soon after.

The Crown today withdrew a charge of assault laid earlier.

Defence counsel Craig Ruane asked for Hoani to be assessed under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2013 before sentencing given concerns over the "nature ... and circumstances of the offence".

Justice Graham Panckhurst remanded Hoani in custody until sentence on October 10.