Prisoner admits manslaughter, denies murder

  • 28/06/2016
Steven Betham, Levi Hohepa Reuben, and Akuhatua Tihi in the dock at Christchurch High Court (Newshub.)
Steven Betham, Levi Hohepa Reuben, and Akuhatua Tihi in the dock at Christchurch High Court (Newshub.)

A 23-year-old involved in the fatal bashing of a fellow inmate at Christchurch Men's Prison has accepted his role in the assault, but denies murdering the man.

Akuhatua Tihi, 21-year-old Levi Hohepa Reuben and 37-year-old Steven Betham are on trial for the murder of 44-year-old Benton Parata, who died in March last year.

CCTV footage covering Parata's cell door showed the three men were in the cell less than 90 seconds, before Corrections staff found Parata badly injured and called for medical help.

He died in hospital from serious head injuries five days later.

Tihi's lawyer, Phil Shamy, says he accepts he was involved in the assault, but denies it was murder, and he's instead guilty of manslaughter. Rueben and Betham also deny the charge.

The Crown alleges the trio repeatedly punched and stomped on Parata's head in what was a planned beating.

The two-week trial is taking place at the Christchurch High Court and the Crown is expected to call on 40 witnesses.

Newshub. / Court News