Accused stepfather faces benefit fraud charge
The stepfather of alleged murder victim, five-year-old Leon Michael leFleming Jayet-Cole, is now facing a benefit fraud charge in the Christchurch District Court.
The charge against James Stedman Roberts, 34, of wilfully omitting to inform social welfare authorities about details relating to a benefit, was called in court this afternoon.
Roberts, who was remanded in custody yesterday when he faced a charge of murdering the autistic Papanui boy last week, was not brought in from Christchurch Men’s Prison for today’s appearance.
No lawyer appeared on his behalf when the case was called in the departmental prosecutions session, but a lawyer is being assigned for his next appearance.
The charge has been brought by the Ministry of Social Development.
Judge Tony Couch remanded the case for a further appearance on June 18.
Roberts is next due to appear in the High Court on the charge of murder on June 19. Defence counsel Kerry Cook did not seek his release on bail, nor any suppression order, at his first appearance on Wednesday.
Leon was admitted to hospital with a serious head injury on May 27, and died two days later.
Category: News
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