Stu Edmondson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder. Photo: Supplied: Amy Taylor / James Muir
The man accused of murdering a pig hunter and attempting to murder another must wait another day in prison to find out if he will be released on bail.
Stu Campbell Edmondson appeared via audio video link in the High Court at Hamilton today to face charges relating to a shooting on the Coromandel Peninsula on 13 December.
The 77-year-old farmer, who is known internationally for wild pigs he treats as pets, pleaded not guilty at a hearing in front of Justice Kiri Tahana on Tuesday morning.
Kevin Mabbott died in the incident near Coromandel Town and another man was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The next available trial date was in May 2027, almost two-and-a-half years from the time of the incident.
If Edmondson did not get bail he would be forced to await trial in prison, and would be 80 by the time of the trial - expected to take up to four weeks.
Edmondson was represented by defence lawyer Ron Mansfield, who argued that media at the hearing should be denied requests to photograph the defendant.
In front a public gallery packed with Edmondson's supporters, Mansfield argued his client should be afforded the opportunity to appear in court in person in his own clothing, rather than be photographed in green prison-issue attire.
Edmondson sat quietly, intently listening to the discussion.
Justice Kiri Tahana said the argument was not strong enough to prevent open justice and allowed media to photograph Edmondson on a screen in the court.
She remanded the pensioner in custody while he awaited trial but noted he was seeking bail at a hearing that went ahead on Tuesday afternoon.
At that hearing in the High Court, Edmondson reappeared via AVL in front of another packed public gallery, and this time before Justice Matthew Muir.
RNZ understands some of the victims' families were also in the gallery.
RNZ is prevented by law from reporting details of the bail application hearing except for the conditions, once decided.
Justice Muir reserved his decision which he hoped to release by the end of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the pigs Edmondson cared for and his dogs have been relocated by Wellington Animal Shelter Huha.
A Givealittle page for the pigs raised $59,386 toward the $66,000 needed to fence them in their new home.
When the second High Court hearing ended and those present in court were asked as usual to stand as the judge retired to his chambers, Edmondson also stood up in the prison room.
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