Van murder accused 'seemed proud'

Overstayer Harneet Singh points out the man who he says killed teenager Liam Ashley. Picture / Dean Purcell

The man accused of killing Liam Ashley allegedly yelled to guards rushing to help the teen: "I've done enough damage. You can't save him. I've broken his neck."

The 25-year-old accused, who has name suppression, is also alleged to have said: "I already have one murder charge and I've made it two today."

The man returned to the Auckland District Court yesterday to hear the evidence of Harneet Singh, an overstayer who was being transported in the same Chubb van last Thursday.

Singh described the moment at the Auckland Central Remand Prison when Liam fell from the van with his face covered in blood. His body was shaking as guards tried to revive him.

The 17-year-old died in hospital the following day after being removed from life support.

Singh, who is being deported to India on Saturday, said he was collected from the Henderson police cells by the Chubb van transporting Liam and 12 other remand prisoners from the North Shore District Court.

Singh was placed in a rear compartment with three other inmates while Liam and two other prisoners were in a separate section, behind the cab.

It was becoming dark outside and the van was noisy as it travelled along the motorway, Singh said. "I just heard a banging on the walls next to us, coming from the other side."

At the remand prison, Singh was released from his compartment before the guards opened another door, on the driver's side of the van, to the compartment containing Liam.

He said the accused, his hands cuffed in front of him, stepped out first and there was blood on his shirt.

The second prisoner walked out and then Liam "sort of fell out" of the van on to a Chubb guard, Singh said.

"There was blood on his face, blood coming from his eyes.

"Blood was coming out of eyes, nose, head. There was blood everywhere on the face [and] some coming out of ears, too.

"I saw the Chubb guy putting him on the ground and trying to push him on the chest. I thought he was trying to revive him or something.

"His [Liam] head was moving a little bit. He was shaking."

Singh said the prisoners from the van, including the accused, were taken to a cell. "[The accused] was shouting a lot. He was shouting at the police people who were running to the guy, because there were a few people running to the guy."

Asked what the man was saying, Singh said: "I've done enough damage. You can't save him. I've broken his neck. I already have one murder charge and I've made it two today."

Singh said the man wanted his handcuffs removed, and said his hands were sore. He allegedly told the other prisoners, "That's what happens when you mess with me."

"He sounded pretty proud of what he had done," said Singh.

The Herald understands the man is not facing another murder charge.

He appeared in court yesterday with his hands cuffed in front of him and wearing a promotional T-shirt for crime writer Mark Billingham's novel Scaredy Cat.

The T-shirt design featured an eye on the front and the slogan: "Keep your eye on the rising star of crime."

The back of the shirt had the name of the book and the words: "Serial killers normally work alone."

The accused, a tall man with a slim build, was flanked by police and security.

He sat down for the beginning of Singh's evidence but after an afternoon break he told the judge he had a sore back and would stand.

He was granted continued name suppression because he is facing separate charges and the judge said there was a risk his right to a fair trial would be prejudiced. The man is due back in court in two weeks.


Farewell from a loving family

Liam Ashley was farewelled at a private funeral in Albany yesterday.

His family said they would remember "the joy of a son, a brother, a grandson, an uncle and a friend".

"Liam was a very special young man, with only the future that he could know."

In a statement made before the service, Liam's family said: "His achievements, although often small, were huge, as Liam faced every day with his infectious smile.

"Liam's teenage years were filled with aspirations and dreams as any young man of his age would have. But throughout was Liam's unconditional love for his family and friends."

The family wanted to acknowledge the support and actions of the police, media and medical staff at Auckland hospital.

"Rest in Peace Our Gorgeous Boy. We will never forget your special time with all of us."