Details surrounding the death of Wairarapa toddler Hinewaoriki Karaitiana-Matiaha were suppressed yesterday during the hearing to determine whether three people will go on trial.
In an unusual move, defence lawyer Caroline Hannan applied for total non-publication of all evidence under section 138 (2) (a) i of the Criminal Justice Act. "This particular case is about subject matter which is abhorrent to much of the public."
Mike Neal and Ken Wilton, justices of the peace, rejected her application, but agreed to an interim order suppressing evidence until an appeal against their decision is heard in the High Court at Wellington.
The depositions hearing began in the Masterton District Court yesterday.
Rachaelle Namana and her sister, Rongomai Paewai, each face one charge of manslaughter, three of wilful ill-treatment and two of failing to provide the necessaries of life.
David Hemopo, Namana's partner, faces one charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life.
The battered, burned and sexually violated body of the 23-month-old girl - nicknamed Lillybing - was delivered to Masterton Hospital on July 23.
In applying for suppression, Caroline Hannan said there had been intense media coverage of the case and prospective jurors might be prejudiced.
Crown prosecutor Grant Burston argued that "justice must be seen to be done in public" and the openness of court proceedings was important.
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