On Air Now: Danny Watson

Tell us what you think:

Talkback 0800 80 10 80
Overseas +64 9 307 1080
Text 9292 or Email Host

Murder accused refuses to hold weapon

23/11/2009 16:28:01

One of two teenage girls charged with the murder of a 78-year-old Opotiki man has finished giving evidence.

Eighteen-year-old Courtney Churchward and a 15-year-old girl have pleaded not guilty to murdering John Rowe in November last year.

Mr Rowe's family sat embracing each other in the public gallery, visibly upset as details of the attack were relayed to the older of the accused.

When asked to hold the stick used to hit Mr Rowe, Churchward turned away and refused to hold it or even look at it. She said after briefly seeing the blood on Mr Rowe's face during the attack, she did not want to remember the injuries she had caused.

Churchwood referred to the burglary as a "burg" and told the court whenever she carried them out she would cover up in disguise from head to toe.

Share this Article:
Bookmark and Share

Related Stories

Life sentences satisfy Rowe's family
18/12/2009 14:20:02

The family of murdered retired school teacher John Rowe is happy with the sentences handed down to his teenage killers

> Read More

Teens jailed for beating man to death
18/12/2009 10:44:01

Courtney Churchward and Lori-Lea Te Wini have been sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison for killing John Rowe

> Read More




View All NZ Latest

Massive fire near San Francisco

A major fire is raging near San Francisco International Airport.

Read More

More congestion in Chch

Two cars have crashed on the Waimakiriri Bridge causing congestion in the area.

Read More

Men arrested over threat with gun

Two men have been arrested in Lower Hutt after threatening occupants of an Oxford Tce house.

Read More

Taxi company not surprised by ruling

Wellington Combined Taxis says it's not at all surprised by a Commerce Commission finding.

Read More