Charges dismissed against one accused in Christchurch motel shooting trial stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Both charges against Neal were dismissed on Wednesday morning, and he was told he was free to leave the court. The Crown’s evidence in charging Neal relied largely on a statement Mears gave to police a day after the shooting. Mears told police he had gone to the motel with Neal, and saw a couple of people leaving shortly after they had arrived. Mears described a short argument in the motel room and said Neal was standing in front of the door. “With him blocking the door there was no way I could leave.” Mears told police he was shot by someone not known to him, and Neal then put him in a headlock and tackled him to the ground, causing him to lose consciousness.
McClenaghan alleged Batchelor arrived at the motel before 8pm that day. Mears picked Neal up at a house in Linwood and Neal told him he needed to go to Riccarton to see someone. They arrived at the motel about 8.20pm. They went into the room where Batchelor was waiting and two people who were there with Batchelor left, McClenaghan said. A confrontation ensued and the three men were involved in a struggle, before Neal stood in front of the door to prevent Meares from leaving. McClenaghan alleged Batchelor fired a shot at Meares. The bullet went through his leg and got lodged in his groin. Neal then put Meares in a headlock and tackled him to the ground.