Murder suspect declines to co-operate with courts and police

COLIN SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ

ACCUSED: Michael William Beca 44, has been charged with murder of Lisa Maree Corbett, 37, after her body was found in the back of a car parked near the Nelson police station on March 12.

Related Links

Court apperance after body found in car

Relevant offers

The man accused of murdering a Nelson woman after her body was found in a car parked near the Nelson police station, is still refusing to co-operate with authorities.

Michael William Beca, 44, briefly appeared in the Nelson District Court yesterday. He told Judge Zohrab unless he could read a four-page statement to the court, he would not be doing what he was told.

Beca told Judge Zohrab that he could call him again this month and next month, but nothing would change unless he could say his piece.

"Let me read out the statement and we can move forward."

Judge Zohrab refused and remanded him in custody for two weeks until July 2.

Earlier lawyer Steven Zindel, who had spoken with Beca and was assisting him, told Judge Zohrab that Beca insisted he did not want the Christchurch lawyer who had been appointed as his lawyer to represent him.

Mr Zindel said Beca wanted to act for himself or have Robert Lithgow QC as his lawyer.

Beca would not agree to doing the psychiatrist report unless Mr Lithgow was involved.

Beca was arrested for the murder of Lisa Maree Corbett, 37, after her body was found in the back of a car parked near the Nelson police station on March 12.

Beca, who is said to have been in a relationship on and off with Ms Corbett, walked into the Nelson police station and said Ms Corbett's body was in the car.

He had the victim's five-year-old daughter with him and she is thought to have been present when her mother was killed.

He has had one psychiatrist report but has refused to co-operate with authorities since, stalling the necessary second psychiatric report that was ordered to be completed in April.

At his two previous appearances in April, Beca said he would not co-operate and he wanted a lawyer from Wellington.

Judge Zohrab said the court could not afford to fly lawyers around the country and a lawyer would be appointed from Christchurch.

Yesterday Crown prosecutor Jackson Webber said Beca wanted a psychiatrist not associated with the Canterbury District Health Board.

The court was told a psychiatrist who was independent could be instructed to do the second report.

- © Fairfax NZ News