Mental health assessment for murder accused

An Auckland man accused of murdering a mother of six is to undergo a mental health assessment before his name is released.

The man, in his 20s, appeared in Tokoroa District Court yesterday charged with the murder of Tokoroa woman Moana Kapua, assaulting her and breaching a protection order.

Miss Kapua was found badly beaten and unconscious in her Tokoroa home on Saturday, November 19.

She died the following Tuesday in Auckland Hospital from severe head injuries.

Representing the man, Denise Wallwork has asked that an interim order for name suppression continue until her client is assessed under the Mentally Impaired Persons Act.

Ms Wallwork said he had several children living in the Waikato area, who could suffer stress if it was made public he was undergoing a mental health assessment.

Judge Chris McGuire said he would continue interim name suppression until the man's next court appearance, when a formal application for continued suppression would have to be made.

The man is denying the charges of assaulting a female and breaching a protection order.

Judge McGuire remanded the man in custody to appear in Rotorua District Court for a pre-depositions hearing on January 16.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)