Murder accused gets to keep name secret, for now

A man accused of killing 58-year-old Lance Waite has appeared in Tauranga District Court today. Photo/file

The man accused of murdering another man who was left at Tauranga Hospital with critical injuries will keep his name a secret for at least another week.

The 26-year-old was arrested following a raid on a house in the Otumoetai area earlier this week after the hospital incident. He was charged with murder yesterday.

Lance Wayne Waite, 58, died of his injuries on Wednesday after he was left at the hospital's emergency department.

The 26-year-old was remanded in custody after his court appearance today.

Judge Louis Bidoisgranted interim name suppression to the man on request of the duty solicitor.

However, Judge Bidois said he expected this to be lifted within a week unless the man's lawyer sought an extension.

The man will next appear in Rotorua High Court on February 7.