Murder accused in court over Upper Hutt stabbing

Police officers still had a cordon set up at the scene on Golders Rd today. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

A man charged with murder after a stabbing in Upper Hutt yesterday afternoon has appeared in court today.

The 37-year-old appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court this morning on a charge of murdering Glen Collins.

The defendant, who has interim name suppression, was barefoot and wore a tear-resistant gown during his appearance. He stood with his arms behind his back, looking at the floor.

Emergency services were called to Golders Rd shortly before 4.30pm yesterday after reports a man had been stabbed.

Despite efforts to revive him, he died at the scene.

Police said the death was an "isolated incident" and they were not looking for anyone else in relation to it.

Police arrested the defendant at a house nearby. He was initially charged with assault, but that has now been upgraded to murder.

Reports into fitness to stand trial and a defence of insanity have been ordered.

The man was remanded in custody to Porirua Hospital, and will reappear in the High Court at Wellington next month.

Police still have a cordon set up on Golders Rd, and officers continue to speak to neighbours.

Residents who were at home today did not know much and said little, but some said they had no idea anything had happened until the police arrived.

They described the area as a "family street" and said violent incidents did not happen there.