31 Jul 2008

Jury briefed by judge in murder trial

12:28 pm on 31 July 2008

The judge in a trial in the High Court in Auckland of a samurai swordsman accused of murder, has told the jury they must put aside all emotions about the accused's behaviour the day a man was fatally shot and killed and two women were wounded with a sword.

Antonie Dixon, 40, is charged with murdering James Te Aute and intentionally injuring the two women in 2003.

He also faces charges of taking a hostage, illegally using a firearm and breaking and entering.

Justice Williams warned the jury the case is complex and they must consider each charge separately.

He said the jury must decide not only whether the Crown had proven the charges, but whether the accused was insane when he carried out the acts.

The jury comprises six men and five women.