Samurai sword attacker's appeal delayed

The man who attacked two women with a samurai sword before shooting dead an Auckland man nearly three years ago, will have to wait until next year for his appeal against conviction to be heard.

Antonie Dixon was due to have had his case dealt with in the Court of Appeal in Auckland today but the hearing was put off until next year for legal issues to be resolved.

Dixon was jailed for life for a 20-year, non-parole period earlier this year after a drug-fuelled crime spree in January 2003.

After attacking Simonne Butler and Renee Gunbie with the samurai sword in Pipiroa, near Thames, he drove to Auckland and shot dead James Te Aute, putting 10 bullets in his back.

He took a hostage before giving himself up to police after a standoff lasting several hours.

Renee Gunbie lost her hand in the attack and Simonne Butler was badly hurt.

A High Court jury found him guilty of eight charges, including murder, wounding with intent, shooting at police, aggravated burglary and kidnapping. He was found not guilty of four attempted murder charges.

- NZPA