Two Tokoroa people charged in relation to the murder of Jaden Marcus Paora in the town last month appeared in Tokoroa District Court yesterday.
Richard Harry Hakaraia, 25, unemployed, entered no plea to a charge of murder.
Aleisha Tui Ross, 22, a mother, entered no plea to a charge of assisting Hakaraia
in order to enable him to avoid arrest.
Hakaraia's lawyer, Stuart Grieve QC, of Auckland, asked Judge Phillip Cooper if Hakaraia could be remanded in custody in Auckland, rather than at Waikeria Prison.
Mr Grieve said it would be easier for Hakaraia's parents and other family members to visit him in Auckland and it would be more convenient for meetings with his lawyer.
Judge Cooper agreed and remanded him in custody to reappear in Auckland District Court for a pre-depositions hearing on August 15.
But the depositions hearing which will follow will be in Tokoroa District Court, Judge Cooper said.
Ross, who was also represented by Mr Grieve, was remanded on bail to re-appear in Tokoroa District Court on July 25.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
