A man accused of a fatal Auckland stabbing could have run away when he was confronted at the end of a cul-de-sac, a police officer says.
Dustin La Mont in the High Court in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Dustin La Mont denies murdering 24-year-old Nathan Pukeroa and injuring Mr Pukeroa's friend in Mt Albert in December last year.
The Crown said Mr La Mont had a plan to get his noisy neighbours evicted and had been photographing and filming them, as well as complaining to police and his tenancy manager.
On the night of 2 December, he was spotted looking down the driveway of his neighbours and was confronted at the end of the street by Nathan Pukeroa and his friend.
Mr La Mont's lawyers said he was acting in self defence when he stabbed both men.
But today, Detective Martin Friend said Mr La Mont could have scaled a small rock wall, or run through properties on either side of the street.
Mr Friend said under cross-examination that a number of small bags containing methamphetmine were found.
He also confirmed a gang patch was found in a cupboard.