Man charged over bar death

A 49-year-old has been charged with manslaughter following a man's death outside Blenheim's Shapeshifters bar in August.

Kevin Robert King was this afternoon given bail by the Christchurch District Court and banned from visiting Marlborough, except for court appearances.

King was also given a list of names of people he was not allowed to associate with. The charge follows King's arrest in Blenheim this morning over the death of 24-year-old Matthew Patrick Heagney on August 23.

Mr Heagney, 24, died following an incident outside Shapeshifters bar on Kinross St on August 23.

The man was arrested in Christchuch and will appear at the Christchurch District Court today.

It was understood former Shapeshifters co-owner Kevin King was under investigation by police in relation to the incident, but police would not confirm he was the arrested man.

Detective Sergeant John Hamilton of Blenheim police said the arrest came after an extensive investigation and "careful consideration of the facts".

Mr Hamilton expected the man appearing in court today would be remanded on bail to appear next in the Blenheim District Court at a later date. He would not comment further.

Matt Heagney's father Pat said the arrest was "great news" for the family and for the community.

"It's what we wanted:  it's 12 weeks since my son's death.

"It's good that somebody is being held accountable for what has happened.''

But he said the arrest did not bring closure: "It will be ongoing for the rest of our lives.''

Shapeshifters owner Julian Campbell said the arrest would bring "a little bit of finality to all the speculation''.

"It's quite emotional a little overwhelming ... I hope this results in justice for [the Heagneys].

"I'm pleased the police have come to a decision and made an arrest.''

Matt Heagney's girlfriend Ema Arnold was overwhelmed at the news this morning and was "relieved'' to hear about the arrest.

She said the arrest brought some form of closure, "but it will never bring him back''.

Close friend Scott McDermid said the arrest was "huge''.

"It's a step forward this is what we've been waiting for.

"Everyone was at boiling point because it was taking time, but I'm sure [the police] have put the groundwork in and made a good job of it.''

- Marlborough Express