Accused killer suffers psychotic relapse

Dean Clark was killed on June 26. Photo / Supplied

An Auckland man accused of killing his flatmate is suffering a "psychotic relapse" and has been sent back to a secure mental health unit for more extensive tests.

Name suppression for Geoffrey Tampin, 38, ended when he appeared at a brief hearing in the Auckland District Court yesterday.

Police allege he murdered his flatmate Dean Clark, 36, on June 26.

Tampin had been living in the same house as Mr Clark for only a week before the alleged murder.

His lawyer, Louise Freyer, asked for a six- to eight-week remand to the Mason Clinic in Pt Chevalier, where he could continue to be treated for "paranoid schizophrenia".

Ms Freyer said her client was suffering a "relapse" of the condition. He hadn't been stable leading up to yesterday's appearance and was "very vulnerable and very ill".

Ms Freyer said he'd been "up and down" and objected to an application by the Herald to photograph him in court because she feared it would affect his wellbeing at the Mason Clinic.

"Today he's calmer and better but he's actually very unwell."

Judge Nevin Dawson ruled pictures of Tampin could not be taken.

Ms Freyer hoped the doctor examining Tampin would be able to say if he was fit to enter a plea to the charge of murder at his next appearance.