A New Zealand woman has given evidence against her son at his trial on Australia's Gold Coast for murder.
Tania Lui said when her son, 19 year-old kitchen hand Malakai Lui, returned home to the North Shore unexpectedly, he told her he had done "something stupid" in Australia but did not say what.
Ms Lui gave evidence at the committal hearing of her son, and his co-accused, a New Zealand waiter, David Galloway, 19, and Australian Dustin Johnston, who are conjointly charged with the murder of Biggera Waters man Daniel "Danny" Dwyer in August last year, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
Ms Lui said her son and his friend, Galloway, left New Zealand in December 2007 to live in Australia but returned without warning in August last year.
"It was a big shock," she said.
Ms Lui said she had no idea her son and Galloway were wanted over the robbery and murder of Mr Dwyer until police called.
She said when her son said he had done something stupid, she had assumed it was something minor that he may receive a fine for.
Ms Lui said she could not recall her son telling her anything about his involvement in the murder.
"He'd said sorry to me and that he would be okay. I kept telling him to tell the truth, that is all he could do -- tell the truth," she said.
On Monday the Southport Magistrates Court was told it was a robbery gone wrong and the men never meant to harm anyone.
It is alleged they had gone to Mr Dwyer's apartment to steal money and cannabis.
Mr Dwyer, 46, was found dead with his hands and feet bound.
Proceeding.
- NZPA
Mother gives evidence against son at murder trial
Malakai Lui and David Galloway (pictured) are jointly charged with murder. They are on trial on Australia's Gold Coast. Photo / Brett Phibbs
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