Further attempted murder charge laid against accused gunman
Further charges of attempting to murder another WINZ staff member and of setting a man-trap with intent to injure have now been laid against accused Ashburton gunman Russell John Tully.
The 48-year-old appeared in a pre-trial session in the High Court at Christchurch where Justice Christian Whata remanded him in custody for a psychiatric report under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act.
Justice Whata delayed taking pleas until the report is completed and remanded him for assessment in a psychiatric unit for a further appearance in court on October 7.
Tully faces two charges of murdering women staff members at the Ashburton WINZ office on September 1, two charges of attempted murder, theft, and charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and setting the man-trap with intent to injure.
He is accused of murdering Peggy Noble, 67, and Leigh Cleveland, 55, who were shot dead in the Cass Street office about 9.50am on September 1. He is accused of attempting to murder their colleague, Lindy Curtis, 43, who was shot in the leg, and another staff member, Kim Adams.
Adams, a mother-of-two, was allegedly shot at as she ran out the back door of the WINZ office with another colleague.
He is also charged with setting a trap or device – a length of steel wire fastened between two trees – that was likely to injure someone.
He is charged with possession of a pump action shotgun which police have not been able to find, a semi-automatic five-shot shotgun, and theft of a mountainbike, leather jacket, and grocery items.
Tully stood in the dock flanked by four prison officers during the appearance, and three other guards were at the back of the court. Discussion at the session was covered by a suppression order.
Category: Focus
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