Man on murder charge named

The man accused of murdering a Thai sex worker in Auckland had his name suppression lifted in Auckland District Court today.

Gordon Hieatt, a 47-year-old computer programmer, is charged with murdering 48-year-old Nuttidar Vaikaew.

The body of Ms Vaikaew, known to her clients as Sky, was found at a Western Springs house on May 12. Police believe she was killed on April 17.

Name suppression was granted at Hieatt's previous appearance after his lawyer Nicholas Wintour argued he was at a high risk of self-harm and releasing his name would increase that risk.

Mr Wintour said today name suppression should continue until a risk assessment was completed by a doctor hired by the defence.

But prosecutor Rachael Reed said Hieatt had been put back into a "general population" area because doctors believed there were much reduced concerns over his safety.

The open justice principle which saw names routinely published therefore applied, she said.

Judge Mike Behrens said it appeared concern for Hieatt's safety had diminished, therefore there were insufficient grounds for his name to remain suppressed.

Hieatt, who wore a black suit with a blue tie, was remanded in custody to reappear in Auckland District Court later this month for a further pre-depositions hearing.

- NZPA

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