Man in court accused of using dead man's car

A man who allegedly used a dead man's car and bank card was due in court today, two months after the man died.

Edward Hinchcliff, 24, collapsed in Hobson St, near the TVNZ building in central Auckland on February 5. He died in hospital of a large brain aneurism but he also had unexplained facial injuries.

Mr Hinchcliff was the son of former Auckland city councillor and AUT vice-chancellor Dr John Hinchcliff and the nephew of former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer.

Police said the man was arrested yesterday and faced several charges of using Mr Hinchcliff's car and unlawfully taking his car, although the car had yet to be found. He was due to appear in Auckland District Court.

Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Breach said police would oppose bail for the man and it was not known if he would face further charges.

Mr Breach said anyone seeing the car, a white Mazda Familia station wagon, registration CSS949, should call police.

- NZPA