January 16, 2013

Custody remand on injuring charge

By David Clarkson

No bail was sought when a 39-year-old St Albans man charged with intentionally injuring a man in an incident overnight made a brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court today.

Duty lawyer Paul Johnson made no bail application for Justin James Taia, who was remanded without plea to January 23 on a charge of intentionally injuring Vaea Lam.

Police said both men lived in nearby flats. Mr Lam received serious head injuries and was taken to Christchurch Hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Mr Lam was found lying in the driveway at a property in Harold Denton Place, St Albans, when the police arrived shortly before 11pm last night, and Taia was arrested at the scene.

Mr Johnson asked Judge Raoul Neave for the remand so that Taia could apply for legal aid and receive advice.