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An 81-year-old man has been charged with trying to murder his wife, but his lawyer says it was part of a suicide pact.
The Waikato man, who has provisional name expungement, appeared in Hamilton Superior Court Tuesday morning.
“It’s a very sad case,” said Judge Timothy Brewer, who oversaw the case through an audiovisual link.
“We just have to deal with it as quickly as possible.”
Court documents show the man allegedly attempted to murder his wife on October 12, in a Waikato town, and has yet to plead guilty.
It was a suicide pact, defense attorney Roger Laybourn said, while arguing that the man’s name should not be published.
“It was an agreement for [the man] and his wife, “he said.
“That may not be accepted by the Crown at this time, but it is certainly the position that the defense will take. As a result of the failed attempt to commit suicide together, [the man] faces these charges. “
The well-being of both the man and his wife would suffer if his name were published, Laybourn said.
After the man’s arrest, the police took him to hospital and admitted him for an evaluation, spending a week in a ward that cares for older people and people who may have psychiatric problems.
Laybourn was trying to get a report from the hospital, but said that getting the right specialist “can’t be done quickly, I’m afraid.”
The man’s wife is a witness for the Crown, Laybourn said.
Her client was concerned that posting her name would also identify her, putting her in a vulnerable position.
The suppression of names would not normally be continued, unless publication causes extreme hardship to the man or his wife, Judge Brewer said.
“In his case, there is the issue of the suicide attempt and possibly his wife’s attempted suicide,” he told the man.
“Your attempt to end your life is accepted and I don’t want to do anything to make the job difficult for you and your wife at this time.”
He continued with the provisional deletion of the name until the man’s next appearance in January.
The Crown opposes the removal of names, said prosecutor Jacinda Hamilton.
He noted that two weeks had already passed, but he did not object to giving Laybourn more time to present a presentation.
Judge Brewer has pleaded not guilty on behalf of the man, who is out on bail.
However, he noted that Laybourn wanted more time for his client to consider his pleas and would also receive a report on his mental well-being and ability to stand trial.
“That’s something that Mr. Laybourn can go ahead and do, but I need to keep the trial process going. So, as a judge, I am filing a plea of not guilty on his behalf. It will be on record that he was the judge. who entered the guilty plea on your behalf, so there will be no harm to you. “
The man’s trial date was set for August 2021, and the provisional removal of the name will continue until his next appearance.
Where to get help
1737, do you need to talk? Call or text 1737 toll free anytime for support from a trained counselor
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222999 in Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, toll free 234 or email [email protected] or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 SUPPORT)
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for children from 5 to 18 years old). Telephone counseling is available Monday through Friday, noon to 11 PM, and on weekends, 3 PM to 11 PM. Online chat is available from 7 PM to 10 PM daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text to 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust – 0800787254 (0800 RURAL AID)
Supporting families with mental illness – 0800732825
