Defence closes in Loafers Lodge murder trial

Tuesday 23 September 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 23 Sep 2025, 4:01pm

The defence has delivered final arguments in the trial of a 50-year-old man accused of lighting a fatal Wellington hostel fire in May 2023. The defendant, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, faces five counts of murder and one count of arson. The jury will begin deliberations on Wednesday.

How they headlined it

11:51am1:03pm4:01pm

1. NZ HeraldTue 23 Sep 2025, 11:51am

   Loafers Lodge murder trial: Jury need to do ‘massive guesswork’ to agree with Crown, defence says (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 23 Sep 2025, 12:34pm

   'Massive guesswork and speculation': Defence closes in Loafers Lodge trial (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 23 Sep 2025, 1:03pm

   'Guesswork and speculation': Defence closes in Loafers Lodge trial (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesTue 23 Sep 2025, 4:01pm

   Defence closes, jury to deliberate in Loafers Lodge trial (opens in new tab)