24 Oct 2008

Liquor store owner to defend hockey stick charge

8:48 pm on 24 October 2008

An Otara liquor store owner is to plead not guilty to a charge of hitting a youth with a hockey stick at his store.

Varinder Singh appeared in the Manukau District Court on Friday, charged with injury with intent.

The owner of the Gilbert Road Discount Liquor outlet in Otara was charged earlier in October after a row with two youths who entered his shop.

Police say he exceeded reasonable force, with one of the young men sustaining serious head injuries.

About 70 supporters were at the court with Mr Singh. Their signs read: "Self-defence is not an offence".

Mr Singh was remanded to appear again on 3 December for a pre-depositions hearing.