Man for trial on charges of burglary and arson

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 4

Man for trial on charges of burglary and arson

A man will face trial in the High Court on charges of breaking and entering and wilfully setting fire to business premises in Christchurch in May. After a preliminary hearing in the District Court yesterday the defendant, Colyn David Stoves, aged 24, unemployed, was committed for trial in the High Court on the three charges against him. These are of breaking and entering the premises of Television Engineers’ Supplies Associates in Tuam Street on or about May 1; a similar charge relating to the same premises on May 23; and wilfully setting fire to these premises on May 23. Mrs F. Cox and Mr A. L. Mclvor, Justices of the Peace, remanded Stoves in custody pending a date for his trial in the High Court.

Bail had been sought by defence counsel, Mr Emo Bedo, but was opposed by Sergeant M. J. South, who prosecuted for the police.

The depositions hearing was convened as a special hearing under provisions of the Summary Proceedings Act, with Mr Bedo accepting the statements of prosecution witnesses for the purpose of the preliminary hearing without these witnesses having to attend to give evidence. The statements were not read to the Court and did not have to be considered by the Justices in their formally committing Stoves for trial. (Before Judge Noble) CHARGE DISMISSED Because two prosecution witnesses failed to appear to give evidence against Chad Puru, aged 19, unemployed, on a robbery charge, and the police could not proceed

with the case, the charge was dismissed but may be relaid by the police. Puru was charged with robbing two men of a video set on June 17. ’ The robbery was alleged to have occurred during a gate-crashing incident at premises in Gloucester Street. Puru, represented by Mr M. J. Knowles, had denied the charge and a defended fixture was set for yesterday. Sergeant K. J. Morrison, who prosecuted, advised the Judge that two prosecution witnesses who had been summoned had not appeared. Mr Knowles submitted that the case should proceed. Sergeant Morrison sought dismissal of the charge “without prejudice,” which would enable the police to lay it again. This course was adopted.