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Six Timaru men accused of murdering freezing worker Wayne Bray have been released on bail, despite Crown fears of gang violence in the city.
Judge Phil Moran said a common theme of Crown opposition to bail was interference with witnesses and the inquiry, and "fear on ongoing factional violence in the town, given the overtones of gang conflict which feature in the case".
The judge said he believed the Crown's fears could be met by strict bail conditions, and the accused being away from Timaru.
All were bailed to secret addresses, The Press reported.
In court yesterday were John Oliver Jamieson, 20, fisherman; Morgan Christopher James Parker, 17, freezing worker; Simon Antony Anglem, 17, labourer; Ashley Jordan Moffat, 17, butcher; Nicholas John Peters, 18, freezing worker; and Daniel Raymond Kreegher, 19, a boner. Name suppression for Kreegher lapsed yesterday.
All are bailed to reappear at a pre-depositions hearing on April 18. No pleas have been entered.
Mr Bray died in Timaru Hospital after a late-night attack in Marchwiel, Timaru, on February 3.
- NZPA
