KEY POINTS:
A man charged in relation to an alleged theft at a Canadian family's Auckland hotel room was today remanded in custody for the night by consent.
Peter Malcolm Black, who has the same surname as the family, appeared in Auckland District Court in hospital pyjamas, his left arm in a sling and his left hand bandaged.
Black, 42, an Aucklander of no fixed abode, was charged with entering the Quay West Hotel on Saturday with intent to commit a crime and with getting $81 of food and alcohol by deception.
He was remanded to reappear tomorrow.
Police have said other charges could be laid.
In court, defence lawyer Tony Bouchier argued against media applications for Black to be photographed in the dock.
He said Black, who had been beaten in the street, was entitled to his dignity and requests to take his picture in his present state amounted to "nothing but sheer voyeurism" on a slow news day.
However, Judge Lex De Jong disagreed, saying high public interest in the case overrode other matters.
The Black family, from Montreal, had personal belongings and money stolen after a conman tricked hotel staff into letting him into their room.
The offender then ordered a meal and drinks in the hotel in their name and carried away three stolen bags, taking with him money, a computer and passports.
Police have recovered some items, which they handed over to the family yesterday, but most of the property taken is still missing.
The family flew out of Auckland today on their way back to Canada.
- NZPA
