A Northland man accused of owning six dogs that fatally mauled his landlord - today refused to stand in the dock

Open Justice reports Abel Wira claimed he was under sovereign law - and the judge had no jurisdiction.

He was taken into custody, for being in contempt of court.

A pack of dogs killed Neville Thomson at a property, in Panguru, near Kaitaia last year.

Wira has appeared in Kaitaia District Court charged with owning of a dog that caused serious injury or death.

The 59-year-old returned after the morning adjournment and was granted bail.

No plea was entered and he will reappear in January.