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A Korean man was today remanded in custody when he appeared in court on a charge of murder arising from an Auckland dental surgery fire.
The accused, 43, from West Harbour in west Auckland, was remanded to reappear in Waitakere District Court on Friday.
He was granted interim name suppression until then.
He is charged with the murder of a 42-year-old Korean woman who died in the fire at the Toothcare West clinic at lunchtime on Saturday.
He is also charged with attempting to murder the owner of the surgery in Great North Rd in Henderson and with arson.
Police have confirmed the identity of the woman who died in the fire as Misook Kim, 41, a west Auckland dental assistant.
They said her body was expected to be released for burial tomorrow.
Defence lawyer Hugh Leaburn sought interim name suppression for two weeks and indicated that there would be a bail application at the man's next court appearance.
Judge Lisa Tremewan allowed interim name suppression because the charges were serious and had just been laid, and family members overseas were just being informed.
But she said she was not prepared to grant a period as long as two weeks, in view of the legitimate interest in the case and in the interests of open justice.
The charges were laid after police said they discovered a liquid accelerant had been used in the blaze.
Police also said no one else was being sought in connection with the case.
- NZPA
