Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming’s death: Name suppression extended for man accused of murder

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the early hours of New Year's Day 2025. Photo / Supplied

Name suppression of the man accused of killing Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming of Nelson has been extended until his High Court appearance next month.

The 32-year-old man appeared in the Nelson District Court on January 3 and faces eight charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault using a vehicle as a weapon, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Interim name suppression was set to expire tomorrow at midday. However, the man’s counsel, John Sandston, filed for an extension until the first appearance in the High Court at Nelson on February 14.

Members of the Nelson community gathered for a candlelit vigil on the steps of the town's cathedral to honour Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and show support for the police after her death. Photo / Tim Cuff

Sandston said an extension was needed as media reports and online commentary could risk a fair trial.

Justice Andru Isac agreed with Sandston’s request for the name suppression extension. “Publication of the defendant’s name at this juncture would be likely to create a real risk to a fair trial,” he said.

“However, I also record that the position may change, and the defendant should not take the extension of the interim order as an indication that it will continue to beyond the first call in the High Court next month,” he added.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said Fleming was the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty in New Zealand.

She was also the first police officer to be killed while on duty in Nelson.

The slain officer will have a special funeral service at 1pm on January 16 at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson.

The funeral will be conducted with full police honours with the blessing of her family.

Police called her a “beloved police officer” and said her family have been “overwhelmed by the love and support they have received”.

“They have agreed to share her farewell with our communities and as such it will be livestreamed.”

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.