Trio committed for trial over Wairarapa murder

Paul Irons died after being brutally beaten in October last year. Photo / Supplied

Three young men have been committed for trial for murdering Wairarapa man Paul Irons, who died after a brutal beating last year.

Shawn Mihaka Sullivan, 25, Andrew Dean Kupa-Caudwell, 17, and a 15-year-old who has name suppression, were remanded for a callover at the High Court in Wellington on June 2, following a depositions hearing in Wellington District Court yesterday.

Mr Irons died in hospital after being attacked in a Featherston park on October 9 last year.

Forensic pathologist John Rutherford told the court that five, 10 or even more blows were normally needed to cause head injuries like those suffered by Mr Irons.

Dr Rutherford's written report said the "major and ultimately fatal damage to the head resulted from multiple, blunt force injuries" but chest injuries including collapsed lungs "could have proved fatal in due course on their own".

- NZPA