Outburst disrupts child-sex violation court appearance

Sahara Baker-Koro. Photo / Supplied

The court appearance of a man charged with the sexual violation of a five-year-old girl who died had to be adjourned this morning after an outburst from the girl's family.

Name suppression has lapsed on Kerry Charles Ratana, 24, food processor, who is charged with the sexual violation of Sahara Baker-Koro, who was found dead at her Riverbend Rd, Napier, home on December 21.

The common assault charge against Ratana was removed but he now faces charges of sexual violation between December 18 and December 21, 2010.

During his appearance in court the family of the girl had an outburst and were restrained by police and court security staff.

They were heard yelling "You sick f**k, I will f**king kill you. That's my daughter."

The appearance had to be briefly adjourned because of the outburst and Judge Geoff Rea said if there was anyone else who thought they could not emotionally cope with the proceedings, they should remove themselves from court, "otherwise I will have to take action".

Ratana was remanded in custody without plea until February 2.