Man accused of Newtown flat murder named

Allison McPhee. Photo / NZPA, NZ Police

The man accused of murdering 42-year-old Wellington woman Allison McPhee in July has been named.

Interim name suppression for John Hone Haerewa lapsed in Wellington District Court this morning.

Judge Bruce Davidson further remanded the 52-year-old in custody until October 21 for an evaluation hearing.

Defence lawyer John Miller did not seek further name suppression.

Haerewa is charged with murdering Ms McPhee at her Newtown flat between July 22 and 28.

He also faces a theft charge. A further count of possessing cannabis was withdrawn at today's appearance.

Ms McPhee's body was found on July 28 in the city council-owned Newtown Park flat where she had been living for about a month. She had been dead for several days.

Police said at the time that the last confirmed sighting of the woman before her violent death was July 22,

Haerewa - who was known to Ms McPhee - was arrested on August 5.

- NZPA