Source: Radio New Zealand
Monty Knight. RNZ/Carol Stiles
Name suppression for a woman accused of murdering well-known Far North businessman Monty Knight has been extended until April next year while experts determine whether she is mentally fit to stand trial.
The 57-year-old appeared in the High Court at Whangārei on Friday morning, almost three weeks after Knight was found critically injured at his home just outside Kaitāia.
He could not be saved despite the efforts of emergency services.
Justice David Johnstone said the defendant’s fitness to stand trial was an issue, so he ordered two health assessors to independently prepare reports under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act. Those reports were likely to take until April next year.
Johnstone extended the interim name suppression granted at her first appearance in the Kaitāia District Court, given the “appreciable risk” publication would cause her extreme hardship.
He also requested the health assessors consider whether future publication of her name would create risk to her safety.
The entrance to Monty Knight’s home and vineyard cordoned off in November. RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The defendant appeared by audio-visual link (AVL) from prison dressed in a grey sweatshirt, and appeared calm throughout the 20-minute hearing.
No plea was entered and she was remanded in custody until a case review hearing on 17 April next year. That appearance was also expected to be by AVL.
The accused woman was represented by high-profile lawyer Arthur Fairley, while prosecutor Bernadette O’Connor appeared for the Crown.
Johnstone acknowledged the family members present in court.
Successful business career
Knight, who had recently turned 80, was one of Kaitāia’s best-known characters and entrepreneurs.
His retail career started with a tiny record shop on the town’s main street, then expanded into electronics, appliances and beds.
He took over the family business, Knights the Jewellers, and opened a second outlet in Kerikeri.
When told it was impossible to grow grapes in Kaitāia, Knight proved the doubters wrong by establishing an award-winning winery, Okahu Estate.
He was inducted into the Northland Business Hall of Fame in 2010, the same year he was elected to the Far North District Council. He also won a seat on the Northland Regional Council in a 2015 by-election.
More than 300 people attended a memorial service at Kaitāia’s Te Ahu Centre on 25 November.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
