Man accused of fatal hit and run denied bail

A 24-year-old man was denied bail when he appeared in court today charged with murdering a woman in a hit and run incident yesterday.

The man, who was granted interim name suppression until October 23, appeared in Manukau District Court charged with murdering Melissa Viall, 23, in Pakuranga early on Sunday morning.

The accused, wearing a grey hoodie, stood passively with his hands behind his back during his appearance.

His lawyer Adam Couchman said his client planned to plead not guilty.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear on November 29 for a pre-depositions hearing.

- NZPA