Shooting suspect's brother given bail

A man facing firearms and cannabis charges related to a police shooting incident in Phillipstown last month has been granted bail to live with his parents while on remand.

Steven Paul Smith, 31, unemployed, is the brother of 34-year-old process worker Christopher Graeme Smith who is charged with shooting two police officers and killing a police dog during an incident that arose from a police search of a house in Buccleugh St.

Steven Smith has been held in custody since his arrest after the July 13 incident, but police withdrew their opposition to bail when he appeared before Judge Patricia Costigan in the Christchurch District Court yesterday.

Both brothers are now remanded to appear at a post-committal conference on September 10.

Judge Costigan allowed Steven Smith's release on electronically monitored bail on a list of conditions which was not read out in court.

Smith thanked her as he was led from the dock.

- NZPA