Ropiha appeared via video link when he admitted the offending and acknowledged the reality of his situation in that he would likely remain in custody until his sentencing in June.<\/p>\n
The Buxton Carpark featured various lanes and alleyways, and has been a focal point for the police in recent years. It was where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was killed in the early hours of January 1 last year. Photo \/ Tracy Neal<\/p>\n
A large crowd of wh\u0101nau and supporters was in court to support the Richmond teen at his first, brief court appearance late last year. <\/p>\n
They were not present in court yesterday.<\/p>\n
The police summary of facts said Ropiha attacked the victim moments after they had shared a vape, after the victim had calmed an escalating situation just after the pair had met.<\/p>\n
About 12.35am, Ropiha and two associates were in an alleyway of the Buxton Carpark, in central Nelson<\/a>.<\/p>\n The victim and two others left a bar on Bridge St, walked a short distance to Buxton Carpark and then to an alleyway nearby as a short-cut to Collingwood St.<\/p>\n Ropiha and his mates saw the victim and his associates walking towards them.<\/p>\n He and the victim didn\u2019t know each other, but for no apparent reason, Ropiha \u201ctook exception\u201d to one of the victim\u2019s associates and fronted up to them, police said.<\/p>\n Ropiha \u201cdemanded\u201d a fight, but was refused. <\/p>\n After that failed, Ropiha yelled out, \u201cI\u2019ve got a knife\u201d, but the victim managed to calm him down.<\/p>\n The victim sat down nearby and began to vape, and shared it with Ropiha when he \u201casked for a puff\u201d, police said.<\/p>\n The victim got up to leave through an alleyway with his friends but as he did, Ropiha \u201cplunged a knife\u201d into his abdomen. <\/p>\n