The High Court in Auckland has heard a punch by a former Maori party candidate caused the death of a man trying to break into a drug rehabilitation centre.
Timothy Morrison, 46, is charged with the manslaughter of Robert Harris on 29 July last year.
The Crown said on Monday the accused was a security guard at a Salvation Army rehabilitation centre in Mt Eden when he heard screaming and glass smashing at the premises.
Mark Harborow said Mr Morrison saw Mr Harris down the road from the premises, caught up with him and punched him.
Mr Harborow said the punch caused the victim to fall back resulting in significant head injuries, which he died from five days later.
The defence case is Mr Morrison was defending himself from Mr Harris who was being aggressive.
Later on Monday, the court is due to hear from witnesses and listen to a 111 call Mr Morrison made on the night.
