Blessie trial: 'Heavily bloodstained' car part found in garage

The man on trial for the murder of Blessie Gotingco can be pictured, but can not be named. Photo / NZ Herald

A police officer says he found a "heavily bloodstained" car part hidden in the garage of the man accused of killing Blessie Gotingco.

Day six of the trial has seen Detective Roger Taylor -- the officer in charge of the scene at the Birkdale apartment -- continue his evidence from yesterday but proceedings have been interrupted by a handful of adjournments.

The trial may have been jeopardised after a High Court at Auckland registrar was found to have written a column for an overseas-based, English-language news website about the case.

The story contained several prejudicial statements, inaccuracies and discussed conversations the author had had with the victim's husband during the trial.

It was removed yesterday evening and the trial continued this morning.

A 28-year-old man is before the High Court at Auckland accused of Mrs Gotingco's rape and murder.

He has name suppression, though Justice Timothy Brewer allowed his image to be published.

The Crown says just before 8pm on May 24, the defendant deliberately ran Mrs Gotingco down in his car as she walked home along Salisbury Rd from work.

It is alleged he then bundled her into his silver BMW and took her back to his home where he raped her, slit her throat and stabbed her to death.

Mr Taylor yesterday told the jury about finding a distinctive fish-fileting knife in the defendant's kitchen drawers that appeared to be covered in blood and hair.

Today the court heard of another allegedly significant find in the man's garage.

The witness said during the search he had found a "carpet-style" car-boot tray inside a cardboard box.

"I noticed when I picked it up it was heavily bloodstained as well" Mr Taylor said.

The trial continues.