Two in court to vacate pleas over Jhia's murder

Two men who admitted murdering Wanganui toddler Jhia Te Tua in a drive-by shooting last year appeared in the High Court at Wellington today to try to have their pleas set aside.

Hayden Wallace and Karl Unuka Check pleaded guilty in April to murdering the two-year-old.

However last month they indicated they wished to vacate the murder pleas.

Jhia was killed when hit by a high-powered rifle bullet as she slept in her Wanganui home in May last year.

Twelve men were originally charged with Jhia's murder, but charges were altered or downgraded during a depositions hearing.

Justice Ronald Young suppressed all evidence and submissions made in the court today.

He is expected to reserve his decision.

- NZPA