Jury begins deliberations in Lyn Fleming murder trial

The jury in the Lyn Fleming murder trial has begun deliberating after hearing a fortnight of evidence at the High Court in Christchurch.

33-year-old Hayden Tasker has argued he's guilty of manslaughter but had no murderous intent when he fatally struck Senior Sergeant Fleming with his car in Nelson's Buxton Square on the morning of New Years Day 2025.

He's also pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to another officer, Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay.

This morning Justice Mander, presiding over the trial, summed up the case.

He told the jury they are “the judges of the facts," before outlining both the Crown and defence arguments.

More on this topic

Lyn Fleming murder: Crown summarises case as 'man angry at police, kills police'

Hayden Tasker is accused of murdering the senior sergeant and intentionally causing grievous bodily injury to another officer on New Year's Day last year.

Crime and Justice

Fri, May 15

3:24

Accused killer blew three times over the limit after Lyn Fleming died

Jury shown footage of the moment murder accused Hayden Tasker was alcohol breath tested in the hours after he fatally struck Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming with his car.

Crime and Justice

Wed, May 13

2:43

'I thought I was going to die' officer says of night Lyn Fleming killed

One officer who avoided being hit by Hayden Tasker later called an ambulance for the murder accused, a court has heard.

Crime and Justice

Tue, May 12

3:10

Tasker's lawyers claim he was depressed and drunk that night, and meant to start a police chase with the end goal of killing himself.

The Crown argued he was angry with police and purposely hit them, knowing it could cause death.