Murder trial begins for Phillip Beale accused of killing mother Joan Beale in Papatoetoe

Open Justice reporter·NZ Herald·28 Sep, 2026 06:00 AM6 mins to read‌Phillip Beale's lawyer says her client admits killing his mother but is not guilty of murder. Photo / Jason DordayWarning: This story contains details of extreme violence and fatal injuries.Phillip Beale had methamphetamine in his system and was displaying increasingly erratic behaviour when he allegedly beat his 84-year-old mother to death. Joan Beale’s battered body was found two days later, partly covered with a blanket. A blood-covered porcelain