Denise Piper/Stuff
The two boys, now aged 16 and 14, appeared in the High Court in Whangārei on Monday. (File photo)
A teenager has pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the death of Northland man Michael John Biggins in 2021.
Biggins, 62, died at the scene of a car crash near his Far North, Ōkaihau home on September 27, 2021.
Police launched a homicide investigation after his death was deemed to be suspicious.
A 15-year-old was arrested and charged with murder that week, but denied the charge.
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In the High Court in Whangārei on Monday, the teenager pleaded guilty to manslaughter by causing Biggins’ death through an unlawful act.
The teen, now aged 16, appeared in court dressed in a white shirt, tie and black waistcoat.
David White/Stuff
Justice Mark Woolford heard the guilty plea on Monday. (File photo)
He was supported in court by his parents and grandparents.
His lawyer Ron Mansfield KC asked for restorative justice to be considered and for interim name suppression to continue.
Justice Mark Woolford agreed to both terms.
He remanded the teenager to sentencing in May.
Meanwhile, a younger boy is still due to face trial for Biggins’ murder.
The boy was aged 12 when he was charged with murder, two months after Biggins’ death.
Now aged 14, he pleaded not guilty to murder and will face trial from Wednesday.
