Murder accused named and bailed

Name suppression has been lifted for a 25-year-old man charged with the murder of a fellow squash picker in Gisborne last Friday.

Ira Toto Henare was granted bail in Gisborne District Court today and would next appear for a pre-depositions hearing on April 21.

Police allege Taha Rakau Matete, 36, died after Henare struck him with a single blow during an argument at a Kaiti house.

Prosecutor Sergeant Jim Broom said police would not oppose bail provided strict conditions were imposed, including a curfew, alcohol prohibition, reporting clause, and non-association order preventing Henare from contacting prosecution witnesses.

- NZPA