Trial of man accused of shooting four police offices near Kawerau adjourned

Constable Regan Mauheni, Constable Damian White, Constable Andrew Flinn, and Sergeant Logan Marsh were all allegedly shot. Photo / File

The first day of the trial of a man accused of shooting four police officers in the Bay of Plenty last year has been adjourned at the Hamilton High Court.

Rhys Warren is charged with two counts of attempted murder, one charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and three counts of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer.

Constable Regan Mauheni, Constable Damian White, Constable Andrew Flinn, and Sergeant Logan Marsh were all allegedly shot by Warren on March 9, 2016, at a property about 9km from Kawerau.

A jury of eight women and four men were sworn in to adjudicate but did not hear any evidence following a lengthy day of legal arguments with Warren electing to represent himself.

The 28-year-old was removed from the court after shouting he did not recognise its sovereignty.

Ron Mansfield, who has previously represented Kim Dotcom, has been appointed to assist the court in relation to Warren's defence.

Justice Timothy Brewer decided to send the jury members home early so the defendant could look at new evidence recently submitted by the Crown.

Three men seated at the back of court who refused to stand when Justice Brewer was in the act of retiring have been barred from attending tomorrow.

The trial is set down for three weeks.