$1m medical bill after P lab explosion

The medical bill for an alleged Christchurch methamphetamine cook, burnt in a P laboratory explosion, will top $1 million.

Jason Hutcheson, 32, of Christchurch, suffered severe burns across his stomach, arms, groin and upper legs in an explosion at a Hei Hei house in March.

Detective Michael Freeman, of the Christchurch drug squad, said taxpayers would foot a $1m bill to treat the burns.

"His father informed me that there would be no change out of $1m – it's big money to treat them," he said.

Hutcheson was sent to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland for treatment but had been discharged.

He is charged with arson, attempts to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of equipment, precursors and material (three charges), supplying a class B drug, offering to supply a class B drug, supplying a class A drug, and failing to answer District Court bail (twice).

Police apprehended Hutcheson in the suburb of Spreydon last Friday night after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.

He was remanded in custody until September 28. No plea has been entered.

Three other people have appeared in relation to the explosion – Craig Reinke, 46 (2½ years jail), Shaun Reinke, 39 (yet to be sentenced), and Sarah Ward, 22 (fined $900).