Post-mortem exam on Upper Hutt man

Rimutaka Prison, where Patrick Lewis worked with violent inmates. File photo / Mark Mitchell

A post-mortem examination has been carried out on the Upper Hutt man who collapsed and died after he was allegedly assaulted in a domestic incident on Sunday night.

Patrick Brent Lewis, 50, was allegedly assaulted in Trentham about 10.30pm on Sunday and died soon after.

Detective Inspector Mike Johnson said further inquiries in the homicide probe were continuing.

"A scene examination is continuing and is expected to be completed later today," Mr Johnson said.

Mr Lewis's boss and friend, Prison Fellowship general manager Barry Timms, told the Dominion Post the prisoners in the unit of Wellington's Rimutaka Prison where Mr Lewis worked were reduced to tears when they heard of his death.

Mr Lewis had worked at the faith based unit at Rimutaka Prison since it was set up in 2003, helping inmates jailed for violent crimes.

Mr Timms said Mr Lewis worked at the prison because he believed he could make a difference.

An 18-year-old shop assistant was charged with assault in connection with Mr Lewis' death.

The man was released on bail after appearing Upper Hutt District Court yesterday.

- NZPA