Man appears on kidnapping charge

10.50am

The man accused of kidnapping baby Kahurautete Durie was remanded in custody without plea when he appeared in the Taumarunui District Court this morning.

The 54-year-old unemployed man, arrested last night at his house, was granted interim name suppression until his next appearance this Friday in the Lower Hutt District Court.

The accused was charged with carrying off Kahurautete Anaha Durie without her consent with intent to hold her for ransom.

His court appearance lasted approximately five minutes, during which he wore police-issue white coveralls and kept his hands clasped behind his back and his head bowed.

The hood of the overalls covered most of his head, leaving only part of his bearded face visible.

He mumbled "no" when asked by Justice of the Peace Ralph de Raat if he wanted to say anything.

Defence council Anil Jaichand made no application for bail.

The accused covered his face on leaving the court house. About 30 people jeered as he was driven away.

Full coverage: Baby Kahu kidnapping


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