Murder-accused meets new lawyer at High Court appearance

Shane Claude Roberts, 59, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua. Photo / File

The man accused of murdering baby Karlos Stephens in 2014 has been remanded following a court appearance where he met his new lawyer.

Shane Claude Roberts, 59, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today before Justice Graham Lang.

Baby twin Karlos Stephens was just 10 months old when he died in Rotorua Hospital in November 2014 from severe head injuries.

Karlos and his twin brother were living with extended family at the time of his death on November 30.

Police re-opened an investigation into the baby's unexplained death in September. Roberts was charged with murder just weeks later.

Karlos Stephens was 10 months old when he died. Photo / File

At previous High Court appearances, Roberts entered a not guilty plea and told the court he wanted to represent himself.

Roberts' previous lawyer Louis Te Kani withdrew from representing him in March and today Roberts met his new lawyer Max Simpkins.

The case was adjourned so the pair could talk about the case.

Roberts' trial is set down for November 4.