Woman accused of lying about boyfriend's death

File photo / APN

A woman faces a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice after allegedly lying to police about how her boyfriend died.

The charge stemmed from the death of 38-year-old Shawn Brooking in Karamu Rd, Hastings, as he, the woman and his uncle walked home early morning in November 2009, Hawke's Bay Today reported

The woman allegedly told police her boyfriend was punched by a stranger who fled the scene, but later claimed it was his uncle Andy Bell, who was then charged with manslaughter.

Mr Bell denied the charge, and his High Court trial ended on August 31 last year when a judge discharged a jury after the woman conceded she had not seen Mr Bell throw a punch, and Mr Bell was some distance from where Mr Brooking fell.

The woman was arrested yesterday and will appear in court next week, police said.

- NZPA