Three Oamaru men were yesterday committed for trial in the High Court at Timaru facing indictable charges relating to an alleged kidnapping in Oamaru on December 31 last year.
They appeared at a committal hearing yesterday in the Oamaru District Court before justices of the peace Anne Hore and Bill Sexton to hear evidence relating to the charges.
Douglas James Sinclair (40), unemployed, Harley James Cunningham (30), unemployed, and Mason Boyd Reid (18), chef, were charged with kidnapping Fuluasoa River Feu'u, assaulting him with intent to rob him while armed with a knife, threatening him with grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon (knife) and possessing a firearm (shotgun). Sinclair was also charged with robbing Mr Feu'u armed with an offensive weapon (knife).
A committal hearing is unusual since changes to the Summary Offences Act, but was granted by Judge Rob Murfitt in May after counsel for the three defendants raised issues of natural justice in relation to evidence from Mr Feu'u.
The two justices yesterday suppressed all evidence of Mr Feu'u after applications from the defendants' counsel, Sarah Saunderson-Warner and Michael de Buyzer. Prosecutor Paul Knox also supported the request.
Ms Saunderson-Warner said prospective jurors in a high court trial could see the evidence and it would prejudice everything the three defendants were facing.
The justices found a prima facie case had been established, remanding all three to appear in the High Court at Timaru on September 9.
Bail for Cunningham and Reid was continued. Sinclair was remanded to remain in custody.
