May 20, 2008

Remand for psychiatric report for arson accused

A two-week extension has been allowed for a psychiatric report to be completed on a man charged with a series of arsons and setting man traps.

John Ngarimu Rattray, 43, unemployed, was further remanded to June 3 in custody at Hillmorton Hospital when he appeared before Judge Patricia Costigan in the Christchurch District Court today.

A similar remand under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act was granted when he last appeared on May 6.

Rattray has not pleaded to charges of burgling two cricket club pavilions in Hagley Oval, setting man traps that were likely to injure with reckless disregard for the safety of others, arson of one of the clubrooms, and burglary and arson at a church property.