Man charged with manslaughter over death of Luke Smith in Courtenay Place named

By Kate Green of RNZ

A man charged with manslaughter after the death of a man in Wellington’s Courtenay Place can now be named.

Siale Siale, 29, appeared in the Wellington District Court on Monday morning after the death of Luke Smith two weeks ago.

Smith, 21, was rushed to hospital in the early hours of October 6 and died when his life support was removed.

Supporters of Smith gathered outside the court.

Siale Siale, 29, appeared in the Wellington District Court. Photo/ RNZ

Police said at the time the assault happened about 3.15am outside the old Reading Cinema building.

Siale was released on bail with conditions limiting his travel.

He will next appear in the High Court at Wellington in November.

Smith and his parents had emigrated to New Zealand from South Africa this year and settled in Upper Hutt, police said.

By last week, $22,000 had been raised to help pay for the return of his body to South Africa.

Supporters of Luke Smith gathered outside the court. Photo / RNZ

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