The murder of a 43-year-old by his brother at Manaia in March last year, is having its sequel in the Hamilton High Court.

Joey Richards is alleged to have stabbed his brother, Guy Richards, the day after the two men had attended the tangi for their mother Dawn Richards.

Joey, 46, stabbed Guy in the chest penetrating both his heart and lung, before leaving the scene in his car and subsequently careering off the road and down a cliff.

The court has heard how the two men were exchanging blows and Joey was seen to punch Guy in an upward motion. It was at this time the stabbing was alleged to have occurred.

The trial, before a jury of three men and nine women, is before Justice Kiri Tahana. It is expected to last three weeks.