The Crown has made chilling allegations of "bash for cash" in the David McNee murder, of which part-time rent boy and homeless 24-year-old Phillip Edwards is accused. A witness yesterday told the jury about gay cruising near a park in Manukau where young street kids either "bash a gay guy or prostitute themselves" to get money. Crown prosecutor Aaron Perkins asked Edwards whether he was considering a "bash for cash" scenario after he was picked up by McNee on K Rd, whereby initially at least, Edwards did not intend to kill Mr McNee, just beat him and steal from him. Edwards denied the allegations and said the arrangement with McNee was that he would put on an "erotic show" and masturbate in front of him. He says he hit McNee after he violated their agreement and "took him by surprise" by violating Edwards with his fingers. Perkins questioned whether McNee would risk his health and safety by doing something like that with a fit, strong young man. Edwards said McNee had become "hyperactive" after sniffing amyl. He said that at one stage he wanted to plead guilty to murder, rather than have details of the sexual activity come out in the open. The trial is continuing.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 7th August 2004 - 12:00pm