A man has been committed for trial on a murder charge after a fight with a man he said threatened him.
After a depositions hearing at Greymouth District Court, justices of the peace Stewart Robertson and John Gilshnan found there was sufficient evidence for Gary Phillip Hope Wilson to stand trial
for the murder of Terry Dean McIntosh in July last year.
Wilson was granted bail despite opposition from the victim's family.
The JPs heard that Mr McIntosh, fuelled by alcohol and magic mushrooms, drove on to the front lawn of Wilson's home in Ross, south of Hokitika, early in the morning, shone the headlights on a bedroom window and challenged Wilson to come outside.
Wilson dressed, went out and ordered Mr McIntosh to leave, but he refused and a fight ensued.
When Hokitika police arrived 18 minutes later, Wilson had an unconscious Mr McIntosh in a restraining hold. Attempts to resuscitate Mr McIntosh failed.
Cause of death was given as heart failure but the Crown contended the seizure was brought on by strangulation and punches to the head.
Wilson told police Mr McIntosh had threatened to harm him and his family.
- NZPA
