Bail denied

A man jointly accused of a violent home invasion in Panguru in February has been denied bail. Gilbert Walter Morunga, 45, from Otahuhu, was jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and committing burglary. He has pleaded not guilty. At the Kaitaia District Court on Thursday, Morunga, who appeared by video link, was denied bail. He was remanded in custody by Judge Deidre Orchard to reappear on May 2 for a case review hearing. His co-accused, Pesi Saga and Piringa Tawhai, were previously granted bail. Judge Orchard said the victim, who was an amputee, suffered fractures, lacerations and a collapsed lung from the February 16 incident. He was treated in Whanga¯rei Hospital’s intensive care unit.