A man and a woman have denied murdering a Taupo preschooler.
David William Haerewa, 43, and a 26-year-old woman appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today where, through their lawyers, they each pleaded not guilty to the murder of Moko Sayviah Rangitoheriri.
The 3-year-old was admitted to Taupo Hospital
with critical injuries in August.
He died before he was able to be transferred to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
Family of the child were in the court's public gallery. Before the defendants were called, Justice Timothy Brewer issued a warning.
"Firstly I am a father and a grandfather and can only guess how the whanau is feeling at the moment. But I'm also a judge and have to keep order in court. If anyone in here who thinks they can't control their emotions when the defendants come to court, leave now," Justice Brewer said.
