Insanity defence for alleged arsonist
A man charged with arson after a Whangārei home was badly damaged by fire in May, was insane at the time, his lawyer says. Shawn Charles White, 47, was charged in relation to a fire at 2 Cartwright Road, Onerahi, on May 10, this year. He made a brief appearance via audio-visual link in Whangārei District Court on Monday and was further remanded in custody for another appearance on September 19. Counsel John Maroney told the court White will pursue an insanity defence as supported by two previously court-ordered mental health reports. The reports found that White was mentally impaired at the time of the offence but is now fit to stand trial. The adjournment was to allow the Crown to consider whether it will challenge that defence.
First division won, but not Powerball
Two lucky Lotto players from Kumeu and Auckland will have a spring in their step after each winning $500,000 with Lotto First Division over the weekend. Powerball was not struck and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $12 million. Meanwhile, a lucky Strike player in Dannevirke took home $700,000 with Strike Four.
Overnight burglary at Port Rd store
NZ Safety Blackwoods on Port Rd, Whangārei, was burgled in the early hours of Monday morning. A number of power tools were taken from a display near the front of the shop. A staff member said the thieves appeared to have gone straight for the tools after prising the front door open. Police said they responded to reports of a burglary just before 4.30am on Monday, and enquiries are ongoing.
Small fire in Whau Valley
A reported house fire in Whangārei that caused a stir on Saturday morning turned out to be a small kitchen blaze. Fire investigator Craig Bain said the fire started after a person at the Whau Valley property left their cooking unattended, ultimately damaging part of the kitchen. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire that drew crews from the Whangārei station shortly before 9.30am.
