Name suppression lapses for man charged with murdering baby Bella Richardson in Whanganui in 2016

Nicho Frater, charged with murdering eight-month-old baby Bella Richardson, is set to defend the charge at trial in Whanganui beginning on November 11. Photo / Bevan Conley

The name of the man accused of murdering eight-month-old baby Bella Richardson at a Whanganui property in 2017 can now be revealed.

Name suppression lapsed for Nicho Caleb Frater at the High Court in Wellington on Friday.

Frater, 25, is accused of murdering Richardson at a property in Whanganui on November 7, 2016.

A police release stated that Frater knew Richardson but was not related to her.

Frater was arrested and charged with the murder in 2018 and first appeared in Masterton District Court on September 20 where he was supported by his mother.

He pleaded not guilty to the murder in February this year and his trial is due to begin on November 11 in Whanganui.

Frater's next appearance will be in the Whanganui District Court on May 28.