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One of two men on trial for beating a Palmerston North man to death has changed his plea to guilty.
Ashley Arnopp, 21, changed his plea in the High Court at Palmerston North yesterday and was convicted of murdering Stanley Waipouri, 39, in his flat in Rangitikei St, Palmerston North, last December.
Justice Allan Mackenzie remanded him in custody for sentencing, the Manawatu Standard reported.
The trial for his co-accused Andre Gilling, 18, continues.
Arnopp's change of plea prompted an angry outburst from the public gallery, as the Crown's case was winding up.
In a statement given to police he admitted killing his "friend" during an adrenalin-fuelled rage over money owed to him.
They began to fight, which led to an hour-long attack on Mr Waipouri, causing his death.
A post mortem examination revealed Mr Waipouri died from head and neck injuries but had no defensive injuries.
The tip of Mr Waipouri's penis was cut off and he also had injuries to his ear and nipples.
- NZPA
