Courtenay Place wounding charge upped to manslaughter

Monday, 21 October 2024

Luke Smith, who died in hospital, had been planning to return to South Africa.

A man has appeared in court on Monday charged with the manslaughter of Luke Smith in Wellington two weeks ago.

Smith, 21, died on October 7, the day after he was allegedly assaulted on Courtenay Place, in Wellington’s bar and restaurant district.

Smith came from South Africa earlier this year and settled in Upper Hutt with his parents.

Siale Siale is alleged to have assaulted Luke Smith in Courtenay Place.

Siale Siale, whose name suppression lapsed at his first appearance for manslaughter on Monday, has been remanded until November 8 to appear in the High Court at Wellington.

Two weeks ago he had been charged with wounding Smith with reckless disregard for his safety.

Protesters and supporters of Luke Smith's family gather outside Wellington District Court on Monday.

That charge was withdrawn and the new charge of manslaughter substituted on Monday.

A group of supporters gathered outside the court with signs in support of Smith.

Wellington District Court judge Brandt Shortland said there was no further application for suppression.

He expressed aroha for the two families who had filled the public gallery of Wellington District Court and said it was a really sad situation and emotive.

Bail was to continue until Siale’s next appearance.