Murdered Boy's Stepfather Charged With Benefit Fraud
June 4, 2015 | Fraud
The stepfather of alleged murder victim, five-year-old Leon Michael leFleming Jayet-Cole, is facing a benefit fraud charge.
The charge against James Stedman Roberts, 34, of wilfully omitting to inform social welfare authorities about details relating to a benefit, was called in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday afternoon.
Roberts was remanded in custody on Wednesday when he faced a charge of murdering the autistic Papanui boy last week.
He was not brought in from Christchurch Men's Prison for Thursday's appearance. No lawyer appeared on his behalf but a lawyer is being assigned for his next appearance.
The Ministry of Social Development brought the benefit fruad charge.
Judge Tony Couch remanded the case for an appearance on June 18.
Roberts is due to appear in the High Court on the murder charge on June 19.
Defence counsel Kerry Cook did not seek his release on bail, nor any suppression order, at his first appearance on Wednesday.
Leon was admitted to hospital with a serious head injury on May 27, and died two days later.
