Man charged with manslaughter over Luke Smith’s death in Courtenay Place named

Siale Siale, 29, appeared in Wellington District Court.
Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

The man charged with manslaughter following the death of a man in Courtenay Place can now be named.

Siale Siale, 29, appeared in Wellington District Court on Monday morning following the death of Luke Smith two weeks ago.

Smith, 21, was rushed to hospital in the early morning hours of Oct. 6 and died when life support was removed.

A sign hangs in front of the courthouse as supporters gather.
Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Supporters of Luke Smith gathered outside the court.

Police said the attack happened around 3:15 a.m. outside the old Reading Cinema building.

Siale was released on bail with conditions restricting his freedom of movement.

He will next appear in the Wellington High Court in November.

Smith and his parents emigrated to New Zealand from South Africa earlier this year and settled in Upper Hutt, police said.

By last week, $22,000 had been raised to pay for the return of his body to South Africa.