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A man accused of killing a teenage tagger in South Auckland says death threats are keeping him and his family in a constant state of fear.
Bruce William Emery, 50, is on bail at an undisclosed address after initially spending time in prison while facing charges over the murder of 15-year-old Pihema Clifford Cameron.
The teenager died after being stabbed in Manurewa on January 26 near Emery's home.
Speaking on Campbell Live tonight, Emery said his wife and three daughters were anxious about leaving their new home.
They only did so when absolutely necessary and made an effort to let friends know their movements.
Anonymous messages left on lawyer Chris Comeskey's phone urged Emery not to go for bail when attending court from prison.
"Can you tell Bruce Emery, one for one. He took one, he owes one. Don't try for bail, stay in jail or we are gonna take more than one from him."
A second message a few days later said: "If he gets bail he will be taken out ... It's safer for him to stay in jail - safer for him and safer for his family".
Emery said tonight he found himself constantly on the lookout for unusual behaviour.
He said it was unlikely his family would return to his community, where he ran a business - now closed - from home.
"I don't think we could ever go back there," he said. "It just turns up too many emotions."
Emery is due back in court on April 2 for a pre-depositions hearing.
- NZPA
