The father of a Christchurch man's tearfully called out he loved him - as the 21 year old appeared, accused of torching churches
The father of a Christchurch man's tearfully called out he loved him - as the 21 year old appeared, accused of torching churches
8 September 2020
Burwood's Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses was razed to the ground in the early hours of Monday.
There were smaller fires at Christchurch Transitional Cathedral and New Brighton's Beach Café - and reports of attempted arson at a Kaiapoi church.
The man's been granted name suppression - and had his first appearance in the Christchurch District Court - charged with arson, attempted arson, burglary and intentional damage.
In court he appeared solemn - and nodded to his parents in the gallery, with his dad leaving in tears.
The defendant has been sent for assessment under the Mentally Impaired Persons Act.
© 2024 Newstalk ZB, NZCity