Burton to stand trial over alleged stabbing

Graeme Burton will stand trial charged with trying to stab a gang member to death in prison.

Burton was committed to trial at a depositions hearing in North Shore District Court today charged with attempting to murder fellow inmate Dwayne Marsh at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo.

Burton came to court handcuffed and flanked by several security guards.

Prosecutor Deb Bell said Burton took a stainless steel rod and sharpened one end of it to use as a weapon.

She said that when he and five other inmates, including Marsh, were allowed some time outside their cells, Burton walked into his cell with the weapon, known by prisoners as a shank.

Ms Bell said Burton chased Marsh on to a landing and stabbed him. Marsh attempted to get away and at one stage used a mop to try to fend Burton off, but the attack continued.

Ms Bell said one stab wound pierced Marsh's heart. He required emergency open heart surgery which Ms Bell said saved his life.

Marsh also received stab wounds to his shoulders, arms and legs.

Corrections officer Ronald Bruce said when he approached Marsh, he was initially uncooperative but later said "Burton lost it".

Burton's lawyer Peter Tomlinson said Burton conceded there was a prima facie case.

Burton pleaded not guilty and was committed to trial. He will appear at the High Court in Auckland for a callover next month.

- NZPA