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Liam Strickland has been charged with murder

Dan O'Connor
liam strickland3

The alleged hit-and-run driver who had been on the run from police for nine days has been charged with murder.

Police allege Liam Teau Ariki Strickland, 21, fatally hit pedestrian Dean Amies, 46, whilst fleeing from police.

Amies died when he was hit by a stolen van at the intersection of Hawke St and Shaw Ave.

A city-wide manhunt for Strickland had been ongoing until his arrest on August 16 by armed police.

Strickland appeared in the Christchurch District Court via video-link on August 17 and made no application for bail.

Strickland has been charged with murder, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer, unlawfully taking a van, driving recklessly, failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified, and unlawfully taking and receiving a vehicle.

Strickland has yet to enter a plea on the nine charges he faces.

Judge Jane McMeeken remanded Strickland in custody to appear in the High Court on September 6.

A police investigation into Amies’ death continues.