A man allegedly filmed by the householder after burgling an Avonhead property has pleaded not guilty and chosen to have a jury trial.
Brendon James Smith, 44, of Aranui, entered the not guilty plea and elected trial at a video-link appearance in the Christchurch District Court today.
Judge Tony Couch remanded him in custody for a Crown case review – the next step on the way to a trial – on August 30.
Smith’s counsel, Josh Lucas, began a bail application before Judge Couch but it was transferred for hearing by another judge on July 13.
Smith also denies a charge of possession of cannabis, arising from his burglary arrest.
He has asked for earlier charges of assaulting police and resisting arrest in Westport to be transferred to Christchurch for his next court appearance.
The man was allegedly filmed by a woman householder as he left the Avonhead property carrying bags of her property. She said the man dropped the bags when she confronted him and she then filmed him getting into a car and being driven away.
A 36-year-old woman alleged to be the driver of the getaway car also faces charges and has been remanded to next month. She has interim suppression.
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