West Auckland death: man in court

Emergency services at the scene of the homicide in Waitakere. Photo / Daniel Hines

A man who was arrested this morning in relation to a death in rural West Auckland appeared in Whanganui District Court today.

The stocky 45-year-old, who has interim name suppression, was charged with male assaults female and assaulting with intent to injure.

Police said staff were called to an address on Wairere Rd about 7pm last night for an incident. A 50-year-old man died at the address as a result of the incident.

The defendant was found by police in Wanganui at about 6.30am to 7am.
At his court appearance he was wearing a blue, police-issued jumpsuit and stood with his hands folded in front of him.

The charging document said the defendant lived at a Wanganui East address. His family was present in court.

Defence lawyer Stephen Ross opposed media applications to film and photograph the defendant, saying the case was particularly fresh and he had only had initial disclosure from police 10 minutes before, and received the media applications five minutes after that.

"Obviously what occurred is serious and I understand there may well be further charges depending on the outcome of the police investigation," Mr Ross said.

"I simply haven't had time and simply don't have the knowledge to be able to respond appropriately to the application. This matter is so fresh and hasn't been able to be assessed in any meaningful way."

Mr Ross said the charges before the court were "moderately serious", but the circumstances indicated the matter "could become far more serious".
He made no bail application.

Judge Peter Butler remanded the defendant in custody to appear in the Henderson District Court on November 13.