Plea for privacy after son accused over father's death

The family of an elderly man who died after he was allegedly bashed by his son, have pleaded for privacy and say they are struggling to cope with their grief.

David Tait, 76, died in Tauranga Hospital yesterday after he was discovered by police who broke into his home and found him with severe head injuries on Tuesday.

His son, Murray Tait, 44, appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday on a charge of assaulting his father and was remanded in custody to appear again next week when further charges are expected.

In a statement released through the police, Mr Tait's family said family and friends were still in shock and "still coming to terms with the loss of Dave and the circumstances in which the tragic events occurred".

The family said it would say no more about the death and wanted to support each other and come to terms with their loss.

Police said the family was close knit and was planning a small, short funeral, initially involving just family members and close friends, with a service to follow later.

Murray Tait appeared in court after he was pulled from Tauranga Harbour by police in a coastguard rescue boat.

- NZPA