Hawke's Bay gunman pleads guilty to eight charges

A man, who was hunted by police for two days around Norsewood in southern Hawke's Bay after allegedly killing his brother, today pleaded guilty to eight charges.

David Bourke, a 47-year-old Wanganui freezing worker, appeared in Palmerston North District Court and admitted three counts of aggravated assault, two of using a firearm against police and one each of assault with a cutting or stabbing weapon, dangerous driving and refusing to accompany police officers.

But he entered no plea to charges of murder and attempted murder and was committed to stand trial on those charges.

He will reappear for a High Court callover on February 10.

Bourke is accused of murdering his brother Timothy Barry Bourke in Wanganui on October 4 by shooting him in the head.

He evaded police for two days in farmland around Norsewood.

- NZPA