Bail for motel murder case duo refused

Ihaia Gillman-Harris.

Two teens accused of murdering a 54-year-old man in Auckland have been denied bail.

Leonard Nattrass-Berquist and Beauen Daniel George Wallace-Loretz, both 17, appeared yesterday in the High Court at Auckland over the fatal attack on Ihaia Gillman-Harris on December 27 at the Ascot Epsom Motel.

The bail applications for the pair were unsuccessful but another hearing is scheduled for January 20 to consider electronically monitored bail.

Nattrass-Berquist and Wallace-Loretz went to police on New Year's Eve after their names had been released to the public.

Two days later, they were charged with murder and made a brief court appearance in the Auckland District Court.

At their next appearance the following week, two further charges were laid against each of the youths.

They are also accused of stealing cash, a cellphone and bank card as well as Mr Gillman-Harris' $15,000 Range Rover.

The teens will have to enter pleas next month.