Chris Bush (inset) was shot at the Red Fox Tavern in 1987. Photo / NZ Herald
A barman who hurled a glass at the gunman who had stormed into the Red Fox Tavern "stood no chance" as he was shot in the chest with a sawn off double-barrelled shotgun, a court has heard.
A jury has heard the opening arguments in the trial of two men accused of being behind the infamous fatal tavern robbery in Maramarua in 1987.
Mark Joseph Hoggart, 60, and a man with name suppression are jointly charged with the aggravated robbery and murder of its publican, Christopher Bush, on the night of October 24.
It is alleged cheques and cash to the value of just over $36,000 were stolen in the armed hold-up.
Crown prosecutor Ned Fletcher said back then the Red Fox Tavern was a flourishing pub for locals and passersby with a carpark as big as the proverbial football field.
It had a TAB where patrons could put bets on horses, he said.
That particular October 24 was the Saturday of Labour Weekend 1987.
Bush, who had been the tavern's publican for nearly five years, was widely respected.
"He was a good publican. He ran a tight ship," Fletcher said.
After the patrons had left, the "no-nonsense" 43-year-old was having a drink with three staff members; Sherryn Soppet, Stephanie Prisk and William Wilson.
Kahlua, Southern Comfort and milk for the women and half-pint beer handles for the men.
Fletcher said without any warning two heavily disguised intruders, clad in balaclavas and gloves, burst in using a back door.
The one wearing overalls zipped up to the neck was carrying a baseball bat - possibly one with a wooden handle and metal tip, he said.
The other man was armed with a sawn off double-barrelled shotgun. The Crown alleges this was the defendant who has name suppression.
"This trial is about these two intruders and what they did next," Fletcher said.
"It all happened very quickly."
The gunman seemed to have yelled something to the effect of: "This is an armed hold-up."