Teen won't testify for his own defence in murder trial

The oldest of two young boys accused of killing dairy owner Arun Kumar will not testify for his own defence.

Lawyer Julie-Anne Kincade opened her case for the boy in the High Court at Auckland this morning.

The 14-year old is charged with murder and assault with intent to rob.

"The defence case is that [the boy] did not have the knowledge or intention to commit the charges that the crime says that he did," said Ms Kincade.

He did not act with murderous intent, she said.

"We know that Mr Kumar died, but that was never anticipated, planned or contemplated by [the accused]," she said.

Ms Kincade said the court will hear from a clinical neuropsychologist, Dr Valerie McGinn, who works primarily with children.

Dr McGinn will testify about the state of mind of the accused.

Ms Kincade told the jury that the doctor has spent time analysing the boy's history, and will tell the court he suffers from a brain injury.

"Dr McGinn will tell you about the types of tests she has administered, and her interpretation of the results of those tests, based on prior knowledge and experience," said Ms Kincade.

The defence has also called a video analyst and members of the boy's family to testify in his defence.

- Newstalk ZB