Man charged over nephew's death

A Hawke's Bay uncle has been charged with the manslaughter of his nephew.

Andrew Noel Bell, 54, appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of his 38-year-old nephew and father-of-four Shawn Ian Brooking , Hawke's Bay Today reported.

Police found Mr Brooking beaten and unconscious in a Hastings gutter on November 29. He was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital and later airlifted to Wellington Hospital where he died the next day.

Bell will reappear in court on January 12.

- NZPA