Child abduction accused seeks bail

An 18-year-old Tauranga man accused of abducting a five-year-old girl on her way to school last week will have a bail application heard on Thursday.

In Tauranga District Court this morning, Judge Ian Thomas agreed the man should remain in custody until then with continued interim name suppression.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Dutch said police needed time to check out possible addresses if bail was to be granted.

The youth also faces four counts of indecent assault.

Although the courtroom was packed for his brief appearance, there was no repeat of the angry outbursts from the girl's family that marked his time in the dock on Friday.

Then, the accused repeatedly professed his innocence and pleaded to be released from custody for Christmas.

Today, he was quickly hushed when he tried to speak and his case stood down for two days.

- NZPA