Rotorua man accused of hitting person with car gets interim name suppression

A man accused of hitting someone with a car appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday. Photo / NZME

The identity of a man accused of seriously injuring another man by hitting him with a car will remain secret, for now.

The accused, 24, appeared in the Rotorua District Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a man on Sunday in Rotorua.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ jail.

He was charged after police were called to Brookland Rd in Western Heights about 3.50am on Sunday after reports a vehicle collided with a man.

That man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The accused’s lawyer, Andy Hill, asked that his client be granted interim name suppression until his next court appearance on the grounds of extreme hardship and safety.

Community Magistrate Shaun Cole said she was able to grant the man interim suppression in the first instance but Hill would need to present arguments at the next court date as to why it should continue.

There were several members of the public in court for the appearance.

Cole remanded the accused man on bail with a curfew between 5pm and 6.30am.

Other bail conditions included that he not offer violence to anyone, not consume alcohol and not make contact with anyone relating to the case.

He is also not allowed to go within 500m of a specific Western Heights Rd address in Rotorua.

The accused man will next appear in the Rotorua District Court on May 20 for a case review hearing.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.