Two men charged with murder of Diego Hulton to appear in court

Two men are to appear in court today charged with the murder of former Rotorua man Diego Hulton in Australia. Photo / Facebook

Two men are to appear in court todaycharged with the murder of former Rotorua man Diego Hulton in Australia.

A 32-year-old man from Balga, who was previously charged with causing Mr Hulton grievous bodily harm, would now face a murder charge, Perth police confirmed today.

A 22-year-old man from Coolbinia was arrested by Perth detectives on Monday and jointly charged with Mr Hulton's murder. He has also been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm relating to a second injured man.

Both men are to appear in the Midland Magistrates Court today.A third man, a 32-year-old man from Ballajura, was previously charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, relating to the second man who was injured. He would be back before Midland Magistrates Court on March 3.

Mr Hulton, 37, was a father-of-two and moved to Australia about six years ago.

He was injured after going to his brother's aid when in an attack by a group outside a Perth bar on February 3. He took a hit to the head, knocking him unconscious, and died in hospital on February 7.

Mr Hulton's body was released to family this week by the coroner and his Perth funeral is being held on Thursday at Dobson Family Funeralcare in Maylands.

Mr Hulton's body will be flown home to New Zealand on Friday and will lie in state from Saturday at Tunohopu Marae at Ohinemutu. His Rotorua funeral service is on Monday. He will then be buried at Kauae Cemetery.

A fundraising page for the family has raised more than $23,000. To see it go to www.gofundme.com/3cbiu6w.