Teen accused of murder bailed

Photo / supplied

A 17-year-old youth accused of the murder of Wellington journalist Phillip Cottrell has been granted bail.

Judge Stephen Harrop suppressed the conditions of bail granted for 17-year-old Manuel Penera Robinson of Avalon at the youth's appearance in Wellington District Court this morning.

Judge Harrop lifted name suppression for the teenager earlier today.

Robinson and his co-accused, 19-year-old Nicho Waipuka, were arrested last week and charged with Cottrell's murder.

Waipuka has not applied for bail.

Cottrell died in hospital on December 11, the day after he was savagely beaten and robbed as he left work after an overnight shift at National Radio in central Wellington.

Robinson, who was dressed in a black shirt and often had his arms crossed while in the dock, was supported by friends and family in the public gallery.

They shouted "thank you'' and ``merry Christmas'' to the judge as they left the court room.

Outside court, Robinson's family said they did not wish to comment.