KEY POINTS:
The man accused of killing police dog Enzo in August will also stand trial for allegedly biting off part of the ear of a fellow inmate at Waikeria Prison.
Tairyn Murphy, a 27-year-old labourer, was charged with killing a police dog and resisting arrest after police went to a rural address in the Kaimai Ranges, 20km southwest of Tauranga, on August 9, to arrest Murphy on unrelated charges.
Murphy allegedly climbed out a window and fled, and during the search for him, which eventually involved more than 50 police officers, Enzo was found dead.
It was believed the three-year-old german shepherd drowned.
Today, Murphy appeared in Te Awamutu District Court on a charge of wounding with intent to injure, after he allegedly bit off part of another Waikeria Prison inmate's ear during a fight on August 19, later telling prison officers he "gave him a Mike Tyson".
Murphy's lawyer, Nicholas Dutch, conceded a prima facie case to answer at the end of the depositions hearing, and entered a not guilty plea.
Murphy was remanded in custody to reappear for callover in the High Court at Hamilton in February.
- NZPA
