Stewart waits in cells for legal aid

William Stewart. Photo / Simon Baker

Poised, polite and patient, William Alexander Stewart - known as Billy the Hunted One during his months on the run - is back in custody waiting for his legal aid application to be granted.

He filed the application on Monday and asked for a three-week remand yesterday to get his lawyer assigned, Christchurch Court News website reported.

"I know it's not the quickest process in the land," he explained at a brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court on about 70 charges mostly alleging offences committed during his time dodging the police around Canterbury.

"It will be a lot quicker than you think, I think," said Judge Stephen Erber, remanding him in custody until July 27.

Stewart, who now sports his trademark long hair but not the beard he grew, again spoke for himself in court and said he made no application for bail and consented to stay in custody.

"Thank you, Judge Erber," he said as he was taken back to the cells.

The 47-year-old was picked up on outstanding warrants and about six charges in late May and at his next appearance the police had laid a further 62 charges.

The charges include 43 burglaries, as well as possession of needles, procuring cannabis, failing to answer bail, breaching bail, failing to stop, dangerous driving, escaping from custody near Ashburton, theft from a car, unlawfully interfering with a car, assault using a blunt instrument, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of firearms, cultivating cannabis, possession of drug utensils, and failing to stop for a police car using its flashing lights.

The charges allege Stewart's offending was committed in Christchurch, Ashburton, Sheffield, Mt Somers, Tinwald, Arundel, Leeston, Peel Forest, Lincoln, Darfield, Hinds, Temuka, Southbridge, Methven, Teddington, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Geraldine, Mayfield, Winchester, Rakaia, and at Ealing, Valletta and Cavendish near Ashburton.

Stewart said in court yesterday that he still planned to defend all the charges.

- NZPA