KEY POINTS:
The man accused of murder and a Samurai sword attack told a court today that he had "no part of this world" due to his religious upbringing.
Antonie Dixon was taking the stand to give evidence in his own defence at the High Court at Auckland today.
Speaking very quietly, Dixon told the court he "had no part of this world" due to his upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness.
He is expected to give more details later today about his childhood and how he was raised.
Dixon, 40, faces eight charges relating to the January 22, 2003 incident during which Rennee Gunbie and Simonne Butler were attacked with a samurai sword at Pipiroa, near Thames, and James Te Aute was shot dead in Auckland.
Defence lawyer Barry Hart told the jury in his opening address that calling Dixon to give evidence was a big step but it was taken so Dixon could tell the jury about himself.
The Crown would not be able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the essential elements of the charges, he said.
Dixon was not the author of his own destiny as the Crown was trying to paint him, he said.
Mr Hart asked the jury not to come to any conclusions when they had only heard part of the evidence.
"Also bear in mind that this is an unusual case."
Mr Hart said Dixon was a different person now.
"He's not the person who was there on the night, he is someone else."
Dixon was being treated in prison for his psychosis problems and that treatment had allowed Dixon to come forward to give evidence.
"How he is today is not how he was at the time of offending."
Dixon had a terrible background and it was an indictment on New Zealand society that he had not received treatment earlier.
As a boy he was abused, he was tied to a clothesline and made to bark like a dog, he said.
His parents, who were Jehovah's Witnesses, were more focused on their religion, with Dixon being pushed from pillar to post, he said.
Dixon's sister, who was flying in from London, would testify to their upbringing, he said.
Mr Hart said Dixon was on drugs at the time but he had acted in self-defence.
The case continues.
- NZPA
