One of the alibi witnesses for a man accused of killing a young Palmerston North drug dealer has been charged with perjury over evidence he has given in the case.
Stephen Hudson, 39, is before the High Court at Wellington charged with murdering Nicholas Pike near the Desert Road, in the central North Island, in March 2002.
The Crown says Stephen Hudson killed Nicholas Pike over a drug debt, but the defence says Mr Hudson was with members of his family in Masterton at that time.
The Crown says the killing happened on 18 March 2002. Family members have said they remember Stephen Hudson arriving in Masterton on 15 March, the day after a family friend gave birth.
Detective Steven Field said telephone calls were intercepted and the alibi witnesses were spoken to in an effort to clear up discrepancies in what they had said.
He said they were given the opportunity to change their statements and warned of the dangers of committing perjury.
A police officer confirmed a witness has been charged with perjury.
Closing addresses will be made on Monday.
