Men in court over prison inmate murder

Benton Marni Parata was allegedly attacked in his cell at Christchurch Men's Prison on March 25. Photo / supplied

Three men have appeared in court today charged with murdering a prisoner at a Christchurch jail.

Benton Marni Parata was allegedly attacked in his cell at Christchurch Men's Prison on March 25. He died in hospital five days later.

Steven Betham, a 36-year-old labourer, Akuhatua Tihi, 22, from Toi Toi, Nelson, and Levi Hohepa Reuben, 21, appeared from custody today charged with his murder between March 25 and March 30.

Eight police officers were in the courtroom during their appearance.

Defence lawyers James Rapley and Kerry Cook appeared for the men.

The lawyers asked for a short remand in continued custody so they could get disclosure of evidence from the police, and have a chance to speak to their clients.

Judge Jane Farish remanded the trio in custody without plea to appear in the High Court at Christchurch on April 24.

She also made an order suppressing any images of the three accused.

A woman in the gallery shouted at the men as they were led back into custody.

Parata's death sparked several violent incidents at Christchurch Men's Prison, prompting the Corrections Association to raise safety concerns.

Terence Junior Whaanga, 25, of no fixed abode, appeared in court last week charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on another prisoner last Tuesday.

Whaanga made no application for bail and will reappear tomorrow.

Parata's suspected murder is the eighth such case in the past two decades.