Abuse hurled at teacher-murder accused [audio report]

A large crowd gathered outside Tokoroa District Court this morning. Picture / Greg Bowker

Abuse was shouted at a 23-year old man when he appeared in court in Tokoroa today charged with the murder of teacher Lois Dear.

Around 200 people gathered at the town's district court before the hearing, Newstalk ZB reported.

When the man appeared, wearing a white boiler suit, he was shouted at and the abuse was repeated inside court.

The crowd lined fences along the courtyard from Tokoroa Police Station to the court house as the accused was escorted there and back by police officers.

Other police officers stood in front of the crowd, to prevent them getting to the accused.

"You'll never make sentencing," one onlooker shouted.

The court house was packed and 20 or 30 people were forced to remain outside.

The local man was granted name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear in court on July 31.

Ms Dear was found bashed to death in her classroom nine days ago.

Police said today the inquiry was not over. Detective Inspector Garth Bryan told National Radio: "We still believe that there is probably more information out there that someone may feel more empowered about coming forward now that an arrest has been made."

He said the man was charged with murder at the Tokoroa police station shortly after 7pm last night.

"He didn't hand himself in," said Mr Bryan.

He would not comment further on the circumstances of the arrest.

Ms Dear, 66, was beaten around the head and upper body as she prepared for the new term at Strathmore School on Sunday, July 16.

Her family greeted news of an arrest with relief and sadness last night.

Her son, Kevin McNeil, said: "We're really sad and really pleased. Whatever happens to him is not going to bring mum back, but the police have done a brilliant job. They have been so on to it."

The family had to now deal with the court process, he said.

Strathmore School principal Murray Kendrick said the arrest would help the school and the Tokoroa community "in terms of closure".

"I think the community has been wondering what's been going on, who is this guy and could he strike again," Mr Kendrick said.

"Everyone is really pleased an arrest has been made."

A note would be sent to classrooms today telling teachers an arrest had been made.

'Very resilient'

Strathmore pupils had been "very resilient" through the tragedy, Mr Kendrick said.

Mr Bryan said the arrested man could face further charges.

"The major crime committed was murder, but we're considering other charges and police will consult the Crown Solicitor."

He said the family and Strathmore School staff were "very relieved and obviously thankful" about the arrest.

The inquiry team was feeling "great" and police staff were "very, very pleased. It's been a hard nine days".

He added: "We have still got a lot more work to do."

A man was seen driving Ms Dear's car before it was found behind a church hall about 2.5km from Strathmore School.

Police are searching for some of her other possessions.

"We haven't located the handbag, wallet or keys, so we're very keen to find them," Mr Bryan said.

He said Ms Dear's bankcards and cellphone had not been used, correcting an earlier report that the phone was missing.

"The cellphone was recovered in the classroom," he said.

Police were still tracing people who attended a party that began the night before the murder in Lauriston St, opposite the school entrance.

It had gone on until late, and some of the partygoers were believed to be from out of town.

Mr Bryan thanked the public and the media for their assistance and support.

"I am very grateful to all the public that have assisted in the investigation and the solid support of the community," he said.

He also thanked the media for their co-operation and enthusiasm in assisting police.

Ms Dear's family had been receiving twice-daily updates on the investigation from the police.

Her brother, Harley Dear, who lives in Auckland, went back to work yesterday, but said it was "very, very hard to concentrate".

Her daughter, Jan Armstrong, said the family had received hundreds of cards and messages of support. "I just can't get the words to thank people enough. 'Thank you' is not a big enough word."

Mr McNeil said he was concerned that the murder was giving Tokoroa a bad name.

"There's a shitbag in every town in New Zealand. I don't want to run Tokoroa down and Mum wouldn't have wanted that either."

- additional reporting NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB