The Wanganui man who was at the centre of a two-day police manhunt in southern Hawke's Bay has denied murdering his brother.
In early October armed offenders squad teams began a manhunt for David Bourke after reports that he had shot a farm worker near Norsewood.
Police say he abandoned his vehicle on State Highway 2 north of the township shortly after firing a shotgun at a police officer.
The body of his brother Timothy Bourke was found in the vehicle.
Two days later an armed offenders squad member found Mr Bourke hiding in the Norsewood Golf Club toilets.
The 46 year old initially faced 12 charges including one of murdering Timothy Bourke near Gordon's Bush reserve in Wanganui in early October.
On Wednesday he pleaded guilty in Palmerston North District Court to eight charges including aggravated assault charges using a firearm, but not guilty to a charge each of murder and attempted murder.
He has been remanded in custody for another court appearance in February when a trial date will be set.
