Daniel Mercer, Hamilton South: Third man charged over alleged kidnapping that led to stabbing death
Strike Force Delline detectives arrested Daniel Mercer, 32, at a Hamilton South unit and charged him with take or detain in company with intent to get advantage occasioning actual bodily harm.
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A third man has been charged with kidnapping a man at Hamilton South last year, an incident which resulted in another alleged kidnapper being stabbed to death.
Strike Force Delline detectives arrested Daniel Thomas Mercer, 32, at a Hamilton South unit on Wednesday and later charged him with take or detain in company with intent to get advantage occasioning actual bodily harm.
Police allege Timothy Onslow, Brendan Cook and Valentino Taufaao kidnapped Killian Reynolds on March 8 last year before taking him to the Coady St unit belonging to Mr Mercer.
Police facts allege Mr Mercer held a meat cleaver to Mr Reynolds face and yelled “don’t even think about going anywhere, don’t f**king move”.
51-year-old Taufaao, died following an altercation with Mr Reynolds.
Mr Reynolds, who suffered significant injuries after being bashed, had a manslaughter charge withdrawn in January.
Mr Onslow and Mr Cook remain before the courts.
In Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, Mr Mercer appeared via video link as his solicitor Matthew Unwin made an application for his release.
He told the court there was no mention of Mr Mercer in the original statement and only after an “induced statement” were charges laid.
“There is nothing corroborating the complainant,” Mr Unwin said.
“He is a known drug user and was violently assaulted to the head, naming my client one year and one day after the alleged incident.
“Your honour should have concerns of the reliability of that.”
The prosecution stated Mr Mercer’s charge was an extremely serious offence- resulting in the death of a person - that carried a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
But Magistrate Ron Maiden said he had concerns about the strength of the case.
“Why is he now being charged? What are the circumstances that led to that,” Magistrate Maiden said.
“There’s been no suggestion he was involved in someone passing away.”
Mr Mercer was granted strict conditional bail which included daily reporting, not to leave his home unless to travel to court or for reporting purposes, not to consume drugs and a surety of $500.
His matter was adjourned until July.