'It's disgusting' says victim as man sacks lawyer ahead of sentencing

Douglas James Archer. Photo / Supplied

An eleventh hour decision by a man who bashed his elderly mother to sack his lawyer ahead of sentencing was branded "disgusting" by his mother in court today.

Douglas James Archer, 61, attacked his 81-year old mother June Geary and her husband Arthur Easton in their Christchurch home on May 1, 2013.

The couple received fractured bones and bruising.

Archer was picked up by police in a Christchurch park four days later.

Mr Eaton died some six months later.

Archer was due to be sentenced at Christchurch District Court today after pleading guilty to theft and causing grievous bodily harm.

But just before his case was called, Archer sacked defence counsel Allister Davis, claiming the experienced lawyer had "not given him sufficient attention".

Judge Alistair Garland allowed the move but told Archer he would again be remanded in custody while he sought a new lawyer ahead of a new sentencing date.

When Archer voiced concerns, the judge told him: "You can't keep playing music chairs with lawyers".

"If you want to delay the proceedings by dispensing with the services of Mr Davis, who is a very competent and senior lawyer, that is a matter for you and the legal services, it is not a matter for me," Judge Garland said.

"It's disgusting," Mrs Geary said from the public gallery when the judge adjourned sentencing until September 23.

Judge Garland explained why sentencing for the crimes, which happened more than two years ago, could not proceed today.

"The reason is quite simple," the judge said.

"Mr Archer is facing very serious charges with very serious consequences and it's important that he has a lawyer to present his point of view before the court."

If he didn't allow the move, Archer could well appeal to a higher court and the process would have to start again, the judge warned.

Mrs Geary asked how many lawyers Archer was allowed to go through.

"It's not a finite number but he's running short on his ability to have further counsel," the judge said.