3 Jun 2015

Murder-accused abused from gallery

11:57 am on 3 June 2015

A man yelled abuse at the man accused of the murder his five-year-old autistic stepson in the Christchurch District court this morning.

James Stedman Roberts

James Stedman Roberts Photo: Facebook

James Stedman Roberts, 34, is charged with the murder of Leon Michael LeFleming Jayet-Cole.

As Mr Roberts left the dock this morning, a friend of Leon's biological father, Gary Gurden, yelled abuse at him.

Police said Leon arrived home from school at lunchtime on Wednesday, as had been expected, and at 1.30pm an ambulance was called to his home. He was taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious head injuries.

He died on Friday morning.

According to Facebook Mr Roberts married Leons mother Emma Roberts, in early May.

Police finished a scene examination of Leon's family home on Saturday night and several items were seized for forensic testing.

Police arrested and charged Mr Roberts with murder yesterday.

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning and has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Christchurch High Court on 19 June.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson said while the investigation would continue to focus on the events of 27 May they were also working with other government agencies to build a full picture of what has led to this tragic event.

Leon Cole

Leon Cole Photo: Facebook

"The investigative team will continue to work tirelessly to ascertain why a 'normal' day for Leon ended as it did."

Leons funeral will be held this afternoon.

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