Teen accused of stabbing father in neck has charge reduced

File photo / NZ Herald

A 15-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed his father in the neck has had a charge of attempted murder reduced to grievous bodily harm, a court heard today.

The boy's parents, including his father who he attacked at their Christchurch family home earlier this year, were in court today.

The immigrant teen's lawyer said police have dropped the more serious attempted murder charge, and replaced it with a lesser one of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

At a Youth Court hearing in Christchurch this morning, youth advocate Tony Greig asked Judge Noel Walsh for the boy's psychiatric report to be released to his family.

He said the report makes some "very pertinent observations" over what led up to the attack and how to prevent any violence happening again.

A family group conference will be held before the youngster's next court hearing later this month.

Mr Greig said that if the boy avoided a jail sentence, it would be welcomed by all of the family.

Judge Walsh remanded the teen in custody until July 27, and wished him the "best of luck" for the upcoming family group conference.

"Thanks for the opportunity," the boy replied before being led back into custody.