The 32-year-old has appeared in the Nelson District Court where Judge Richard Russell remanded him in custodywithout plea until February 14.
He faces eight charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault using a vehicle as a weapon, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
Defence lawyer John Sandston asked for interim name suppression to be granted so he could inform a relative overseas about the charges.
He argued it would be “utterly unfair for somebody closely related to this defendant to not know what is happening and to find out through the media”.
Crown prosecutor Mark O’Donoghue said he didn’t oppose the move, but that strong grounds would be needed for it to continue past the second appearance.
Judge Russell granted interim name suppression until midday next Friday, January 10.
Sandston said his client acknowledged this was a tragic event, and whatever happened that night the outcomes for many people and many victims was utterly tragic.
The accused stood in the dock wearing a grey t-shirt and black pants with his head bowed through much of the hearing.
Both lawyers also took aim at online commentary about the case, with Sandston saying some online bloggers needed to “pull their heads in”.
He said some of the content being published impinged on his client’s fair trial rights and was inflammatory.
O‘Donoghue agreed, saying a lot of people are passing opinions online without having full information.
One particular issue was the publication of video from the night of the incident, which the Judge ordered be taken down and not published on any media sites, including social media.
The order applies to footage taken in Buxton Square between 1.30am and 3.30am on January 1, 2025.
“If people were to watch this video it could prevent them from coming to this case with an open mind should it go to trial”, O’Donoghue said.
“I thank the investigation team who have worked around the clock to get us to this point.”
He said investigators were continuing to speak to witnesses.
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, he said.
Chambers said Fleming’s family wanted to acknowledge Nelson Hospital, the members of the public who went to help her and her injured colleagues, and all other victims of the violent incident.
Fleming was injured alongside her colleague, Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay, and another officer yet to be publicly identified when a car was rammed into her and a police car. Two members of the public were also injured.
Police cordon off a carpark in central Nelson where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and her colleagues were patrolling in the early hours of New Year's Day. Photo / Tim Cuff
She and her colleagues had been doing foot patrols in central Nelson when they were allegedly set upon with the vehicle in Buxton Square about 2.10am.
Fleming succumbed to her injuries in hospital surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Chambers said.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell (left) and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers (centre) speak to media on the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Tim Cuff
He said Ramsay’s condition in hospital had improved and he “is beginning his recovery journey”. The members of the public injured were also continuing to recover, he said.
Chambers said they were doing everything they could to support Fleming’s family, but described it as an “incredibly difficult time for them as they come to terms with what has happened”.
He said police had been “extremely heartened” by the response from the local community and across New Zealand and thanked those who had delivered flowers, cards and “thousands of messages”.
“The coming days, weeks and months are going to be tough for the staff in Nelson as they come to terms with what has happened, but it is an absolute priority for police that we wrap support around the staff directly impacted as well as the wider station.”
Yesterday morning, iwi from throughout Te Tau Ihu blessed the scene in Buxton Square.
Detective Inspector Lex Bruning, the criminal investigations manager for the Tasman district, said police would be canvassing the area and asking for security camera footage.
Bruning said anyone with information about the incident should contact police.
“If any businesses think they may have relevant CCTV then we would ask that they please get in touch with Nelson Police.
“Anyone with information can contact police online or via 105 quoting file number 250101/1197."
Community pays tribute
Everlyn Leermonth delivered a specially crafted bouquet to the tribute set up outside Nelson police station this morning.
The Nelson resident, formerly of the Philippines, has lived in the city for 34 years and said she was shocked by what had happened.
She said Fleming used to look after her kids until she could pick them up if they drank too much on a night out.
The 61-year-old said her children were now in their 30s, but she used to tell them to ring her if they got drunk.
“One time I went there in town, this beautiful soul here, she’s just standing up with my son while I’m picking him up because he was drunk. Cops here in Nelson are amazing.
“No yelling, no nothing, just stood with my kids waiting for their parents to pick them up.
“I feel safer in Nelson. What happened that night for me, that’s not Nelson at all.”
Leermonth made her bouquet last night from pipe cleaners, so it could be kept to remember Fleming.
Everlyn Leermonth with her bouquet for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, made from pipe cleaners. Photo / Katrina Bennett
Everlyn Leermonth's bouquet made from pipe cleaners. Photo / Katrina Bennett
The Rev Steve Jordan, of Christ Church Cathedral, said the community was in shock and grieving and would take some time to recover from the “horror” that unfolded.
“Nelson is a tight community, it is a very small city, it’s generally a very happy, peaceful place so the shockwaves will ripple out for some time yet.”
Police officers and first responders, including Tasman district commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson, joined the Black Caps on the pitch in Nelson to pay tribute to Fleming yesterday afternoon.
Officers with bowed heads lined the field to honour their colleague at the start of the match, as the crowd gathered at Nelson’s Saxton Oval for the third T20 international against Sri Lanka were invited to stand and observe a moment’s silence.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
Katrina Bennett is the Herald’s head of Wellington news.
