Artist strangled to death, court told

Daniel Wikeepa is accused of murdering Harry Faulkner at Gate Pa, Tauranga, in December 2009. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga artist Harry Faulkner died from strangulation, a murder trial has been told.

Daniel Wikeepa, 19, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Faulkner at Gate Pa, Tauranga, in December 2009.

Specialist pathologist Dr Michael Arnall, formerly of Auckland but now of Colorado in his native United States, told the High Court at Rotorua today pressure was applied to Mr Faulkner's neck for three to five minutes.

The strangulation followed at least 15 blows which caused extensive injury, including to his pancreas.

Closing the Crown's case, prosecutor Rob Ronayne said only Daniel Wikeepa could have strangled Mr Faulkner and to suggest it was his cousin, Duayne (crct) Wikeepa, was fanciful nonsense.

He reminded the jury that it was Daniel Wikeepa who had rained blows on the artist in a savage, sustained attack, as well as kicking him in the head and face.

Daniel Wikeepa had also dragged him inside, leaving him unconscious and bleeding.

"This is a very, very unpleasant murder to get your heads around," Mr Ronayne told the jury.

"It is a throttling to death. There is only one person who could have done it and that is the accused."

Defence counsel Paul Mabey, QC, told the jury they had to be sure Daniel Wikeepa had strangled Mr Faulker and, if they were not, he must be acquitted.

Daniel Wikeepa had admitted a violent assault but he was not on trial for that, Mr Mabey said.

He argued Duayne Wikeepa was the only person who could have strangled the deceased. Neighbours had heard an angry and a soft voice, with the latter saying "don't do it, Duayne".

Mr Mabey submitted it was Duayne Wikeepa who had become angry and had the reason to "stew about being chucked out of the whanau home" by Mr Faulkner.

Justice Mary Peters will sum up tomorrow before the jury retires to consider its verdict.

- NZPA