Stabbing accused confronted by victim's family

Nathan Mata Pukeroa died after being attacked outside a Renton Rd, Mt Albert address in the early hours of Thursday, December 3. Photo / Supplied

A man accused of stabbing his neighbour to death has been angrily confronted by family of the victim in court today.

Dustin Michael La Mont, 25, appeared in the High Court at Auckland this morning where his name suppression lapsed.

He is accused of the murder of 24-year-old Whangarei man Nathan Matai Pukeroa last month.

As he was brought out of the cells for the hearing, a woman dashed from the public gallery into the body of the court screaming obscenities.

She was dragged away by security while the defendant was briefly pulled back into the cells.

His lawyer David Hoskin entered not guilty pleas to the murder charge and one of wounding Devaray-Junior Heremia with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Throughout the hearing, family in the public gallery made threatening comments to La Mont and were warned by security.

The alleged murder took place in Renton Rd in Mt Albert on December 2 but it was not until eight days later that La Mont appeared in court.

Police made several appeals for information and asked neighbours to check their properties for weapons.

La Mont's trial was set for October and he will have another hearing in March.