Woman kicked and strangled boyfriend to death

At an address in Conference Street, central Christchurch, Zariah Samson accused 30-year-old Cory James Protos of spreading rumours about her. Photo / 123rf

A woman has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her boyfriend, after accusing him of spreading rumours about her.

The charge against Zariah Samson, aged 22 at the time of the crime, was amended from the original charge of murder in the High Court in Christchurch today.

On April 26, 2014, at an address in Conference St, central Christchurch, Samson accused 30-year-old Cory James Protos of spreading rumours about her, the court heard.

Samson began to assault him, removed his bloodied clothing and bound his hands behind his back.

He was covered by a blanket, punched and kicked sporadically over the next four hours.

Protos was then dressed. Samson guided him into a car and drove him to her address in Bryndwr.

After showering, Protos met Samson in the bedroom where further arguing ensued.

Samson gave Protos a superficial cut to the neck, and then proceeded to strangle him with a computer cord, wrapped around his neck three times.

Just before 9pm, she texted an associate saying she was "cleaning up my mess".

She also requested cleaning products and petrol.

Samson went to a relative's house and told them what had happened.

The next day, the relative contacted police.

Samson told police she and Protos were arguing about trust issues - an argument which led to a gun being held to her head.

Samson is remanded in custody for her sentencing on Friday.

People in the public gallery were in tears as the summary of facts was read out by Crown prosecutor Barnaby Hawes.

It was the first time Protos' family had heard exactly how their son died.