Murdered interior designer David McNee died as a result of inhaling blood and vomit after a severe beating to his face and head, the Auckland District Court heard Thursday. Forensic pathologist Dr Rex Ferris said that none of the blows suffered by Mr McNee were sufficient to cause his death but the injuries to his head almost certainly rendered him unconscious. His body was found naked and face-up, covered by clothes and bedding. 23-year-old Philip Layton “Tick” Edwards is accused of his murder. He pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial in the High Court at Auckland following the two-day depositions hearing. Edwards, who has been remanded in custody, allegedly met McNee at an inner-city Auckland bar which was described to the court as a well-known hangout for homosexuals and homeless people. The court heard Monday that Edwards wore Mr McNee's clothes, drank his alcohol tried to sell his black Audi convertible, and sang songs about the details of the killing in the days after Mr McNee's death on 20 July.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 13th December 2003 - 12:00pm