Court places tough limits on Dotcom's movements

Kim Dotcom. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom will face tougher new bail conditions and make a daily visit to the police for at least the next week.

The restrictions - imposed yesterday by Judge Nevin Dawson - ban him from using a helicopter, travelling by boat or going more than 80km from his rented Coatesville mansion.

Dotcom, who is fighting extradition to the United States, must also report daily to the Albany police station.

The new conditions are in place only until next Monday, when Dotcom will appear for a bail hearing in the Auckland District Court.

The restrictions follow Crown lawyer Christine Gordon yesterday making an allegation that the Herald is not permitted to publish.

Before the issue of bail, Judge Dawson gave Dotcom's former lawyers - Queen's Counsel Paul Davison and firm Simpson Grierson - leave to withdraw from the case.

Mr Davison and Simpson Grierson had represented Dotcom during attempts by US authorities to extradite him and three others to face trial over what is alleged to be a conspiracy to commit the biggest breach of copyright ever.

The extradition hearing was put off until June to give new lawyers more time to familiarise themselves with the case.

Mr Davison did not disclose to the court why he was stepping down and said the reasons were "private and confidential".

Wellington barrister Graeme Edgeler acted for Dotcom in court yesterday after the lawyers withdrew. Fletcher Pilditch, representing accused Finn Batato, was also given leave to withdraw as the lawyer for that defendant.