Ihaka Stokes murder accused pleads not guilty

Ihaka suffered multiple blunt force injuries including broken bones in the alleged assault. Photo / Supplied

A man accused of murdering a Christchurch toddler earlier this month has today entered not guilty pleas.

But the 22-year-old Christchurch roofer who denies assaulting and killing 15-month-old Ihaka Paora Braxton Stokes on July 3 still has interim name suppression.

The man appeared in the High Court at Christchurch this morning for a pre-trial hearing.

Defence counsel Phil Shamy said the man could today enter not guilty pleas.

Mr Shamy also asked for interim name suppression to continue.

Justice Cameron Mander granted the interim suppression order. Discussion from today's hearing was suppressed.

Ihaka suffered multiple blunt force injuries including broken bones in the alleged assault at a house in Truman Rd, Bryndwr.

He was found unconscious and rushed to Christchurch Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.

The man was remanded in custody to October 2.

A further hearing on name suppression will be held before then.