Abel Wira within the dock on the Kaitāia District Court charged with proudly owning a harmful canine inflicting damage or demise. Photo / Shannon Pitman
A person accused of proudly owning six dogs that fatally mauled his landlord has appeared in court and was placed in custody for being in contempt of courtroom.
Abel Wira, 59, appeared in Kaitāia District Court as we speak charged with one rely of being the proprietor of a canine that triggered severe damage or demise to a person.
The most penalty for the cost is three years imprisonment and a $2000 nice.
Wira was boarding at Neville Thomson’s Panguru property on Puketawa Road and is listed because the proprietor of six dogs and 17 puppies that attacked Thomson on August 4 final 12 months.
Thomson, described by his kids as “such a loving and giving man”, died on the scene.
When Wira’s matter was known as earlier than Judge Gene Tomlinson, the defendant refused to maneuver into the dock.
Instead, he responded from the general public gallery stating he was a “living man” and didn’t acknowledge this regulation.
Judge Tomlinson warned Wira to face within the dock or he can be in contempt of courtroom.
“No thanks,” Wira responded.
Judge Tomlinson requested once more a number of occasions to which Wira continued to argue that he was underneath sovereign regulation and subsequently Judge Tomlinson had no jurisdiction.
“Take him into custody,” Judge Tomlinson advised courtroom safety.
Wira was introduced again into courtroom after the morning adjournment the place responsibility lawyer Cathy Murray represented him.
Murray stated Wira wished to reiterate that he was a dwelling man.
“I am happy that he has turned up and happy to admit him to bail,” Judge Tomlinson stated.
“I acknowledge he has a view on his court status but it is fraught.
“These are serious charges, serious allegations with serious consequences.”
Judge Tomlinson questioned whether or not the cost was right given Thomson had died, to which police prosecution suggested the cost was being reviewed.
The decide acknowledged the household of Thomson current in courtroom and the unhappy circumstances they now discovered themselves in.
No plea was entered and Wira was granted bail to reappear within the Kaitāia District Court on January 30 subsequent 12 months.
Shannon Pitman is a Whangārei primarily based reporter for Open Justice masking courts within the Te Tai Tokerau area. She is of Ngāpuhi/ Ngāti Pūkenga descent and has labored in digital media for the previous 5 years. She joined NZME in 2023.
