KEY POINTS:
A 37-year-old Tauranga computer programmer accused of murder has been released on bail against police wishes.
Steven Wearne Nightingale was arrested and charged last month for the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Shane Donald Kurth at an apartment complex on Waihi Rd, Judea, Tauranga, where both men lived in separate flats.
Nightingale also faces further charges for the wounding of four others at the scene.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Wayne Hunte told Tauranga District Court yesterday police opposed bail for a number of reasons including concerns that the accused may interfere with witnesses and witnesses' concerns about their safety, the Bay of Plenty Times reported.
A suppression order prevented media from disclosing further police concerns.
Judge Peter Rollo said despite the seriousness of the charge and the relative strength of the police case, the Bail Act stated the presumption of innocence rule must apply to every accused person.
He said strict bail conditions would address any police concerns.
Nightingale, who has not yet entered a plea, will stay in Porirua with his mother.
He is not allowe d to travel north of Upper Hutt or Paraparaumu unless it is to appear in court or see his lawyer and is barred from any contact with the complainants and named police witnesses.
Nightingale is to reappear in court on November 1.
- NZPA