Rotorua death of Nicholas Mitchell: Man, 28, appears in court

A man has appeared in court in connection to the death of Nicholas Mitchell in Rotorua.

Mitchell, 37, died after crashing into a tree on Ford Rd about 8.30pm on Friday. Police said his injuries were not consistent with a crash.

A 28-year-old Rotorua man appeared in the Rotorua District Court this morning before Judge Andree Wiltens. He entered no plea to a charge of murder.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear in the High Court at Rotorua on February 5.

Nicholas Mitchell photographed a few years ago at dairy industry awards he attended. Photo / Supplied

Police Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen said: “We continue to make further inquiries into Mr Mitchell’s death, and cannot rule out further arrests.”

Earlier this week, Van Kempen asked residents on and near Ford Rd to check their properties for possible evidence.

“We encourage residents to check their yards and fencelines. If you find something that’s out of place, please leave it alone and contact police,” Van Kempen said.