Man accused of Kawerau murder denied bail

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A man accused of a Kawerau murder has been denied bail.

Thomas Edward Ray, 31, last week pleaded not guilty to murdering 23-year-old Gareth Kaipara at a Holyoake Cres house on January 10.

Mr Kaipara was allegedly stabbed in the neck.

Ray appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today where his lawyer Andy Schulze made an application for electronically monitored bail for his client.

Bail was opposed by the Crown and the application was declined by Justice Murray Gilbert.

Ray was remanded in custody until his trial, which is set for February 24 next year.