Declan Laverty murder accused Keith Kerinauia faces court for alleged aggravated robbery, assault

The teenager accused of stabbing bottle-shop worker Declan Laverty to death in March has again faced court in Darwin. Here’s why.

The man accused of stabbing bottle-shop worker Declan Laverty to death has faced court for a separate alleged aggravated robbery and aggravated assault in May last year.

Keith Kerinauia, 19, had his case heard briefly in the Darwin Local Court on Monday morning, where he also stands charged with breach of bail and dangerous driving.

Defence lawyer Peter Maley told the court he had reached an agreement with the prosecution about the facts of the case and his client was likely to plead guilty.

“It’s going to resolve,” Mr Maley said before the matter was adjourned to Friday.

Meanwhile Kerinauia has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court trial after being charged with murdering Mr Laverty in March this year.

Kerinauia allegedly stabbed the 20-year-old in the chest as he was closing up the Airport Tavern BWS bottleshop at the end of a routine shift.

Declan Laverty, 20, was allegedly stabbed to death in March.

Other charges that will go before a jury include making a threat to kill and two counts of aggravated assault while armed with a knife.

The court previously heard Kerinauia was out on bail at the time of the alleged offending.

The Airport Tavern’s CCTV captured the incident but the video footage has been suppressed from publication to avoid prejudicing the trial.

Mr Laverty’s high profile death sparked outrage across the Territory, launching several anti-crime rallies outside Parliament House and leading to a suite of policy changes.

A petition by Mr Laverty’s mother Samara detailing nine proposals to tackle crime will be debated in parliament under the banner of “Declan’s Law” after garnering almost 25,000 signatures.