Man arrested for Apperley murder

Douglas Apperley was found dead in his Townshend Street, Hastings home several days after he died. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hastings Police have arrested and charged a 44-year-old Hastings man with the murder of Douglas Bruce Apperley.

Police said the man, a sickness beneficiary, is currently living in the Kapiti Mana area of Wellington and is expected to appear in the Porirua District Court at 2.15pm today.

Mr Apperley was found dead in his Townshend Street, Hastings home on April 16.

A post mortem examination indicated Mr Apperley died after suffering terrible head injuries and being stabbed numerous times in the chest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange said the accused and Mr Apperley were known to each other and lived in the same neighbourhood, although there did not appear to be any close association between the pair.