Murder accused claims he is 'constitutionally immune'

A Tauranga man charged with murdering a woman and attempting to murder her daughter says he cannot be tried in a New Zealand court. File photo / NZ Herald

A Tauranga man charged with murdering a woman and attempting to murder her daughter says he is "constitutionally immune" and cannot be tried in a New Zealand court.

Tamati Mason, 41, appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday and refused to enter a plea, the Sunlive website reported.

Mason is charged with murdering Sandra Rachel Brown, 59, and the attempted murder of her daughter Kate, 27, his former fiancee.

Mrs Brown was found dead inside her Tauranga home on February 20.

Mason's lawyer Craig Tuck was granted leave to withdraw from the case after he said his client claimed he was "constitutionally immune".

However, Mr Tuck expected the case would eventually go to trial in the High Court.

"He has not formally entered a plea, but he is intending to go to trial on the basis that the court does not have any jurisdiction to try him."

Mason was remanded in custody until July 19.

- NZPA