21 May 2024

Woman accused of Khandallah murder to stay in prison awaiting bail application outcome

3:06 pm on 21 May 2024
Police continuing with their investigation at Baroda Street in Khandallah where a 79-year-old woman was found dead.

Police investigating the death of Helen Gregory outside her home in the Wellington suburb of Khandallah. Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull

The woman accused of murdering an elderly Khandallah resident will continue to be held in prison, while she waits to hear if her application for bail will be granted.

Helen Gregory, 79, was found dead in her Baroda Street home on 24 January, after what police described as a "violent act".

A 52-year-old woman, whose identity remains suppressed, faces one charge of murder and one count of obtaining thousands of dollars by deception.

She has been remanded in custody since her arrest on 11 February.

The murder charge was laid after police searched the Porirua landfill for items they believed had been discarded following the death. The financial deception charge was added last month.

Details of a bail hearing held at Wellington High Court on Tuesday cannot be published under the law.

Justice Dale La Hood said he would make a decision on the woman's application at a later date.

Gregory's obituary described her as a dearly loved mother and mother-in-law, and a treasured grandmother.

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