Samurai sword attack man's convictions quashed

Antonie Dixon

The man who was accused of slashing two women with a samurai sword and shooting dead an Auckland man has had his convictions quashed in the Court of Appeal.

Antonie Dixon was given a life sentence and a minimum non-parole period of 20 years over the incidents.

His lawyer Barry Hart said today that a re-trial had been ordered by the Court of Appeal.

He said he was trying to get in contact with his client to give him the good news.

Dixon was convicted of the murder of James Te Aute in Auckland and an enraged sword attack on Simonne Butler and Renee Gunbie at Pipiroa near Thames in January, 2003.

He claimed in court he was insane during a drug-fuelled crime spree when he attacked the women and then drove to Auckland where he shot dead Mr Te Aute with 10 bullets in his back.

He took a hostage before giving himself up to police after a standoff lasting several hours, the court heard.

The jury rejected the insanity defence and convicted him on eight charges including murder.

The Court of Appeal suppressed the reasons for its decision.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA