KEY POINTS:
Two girls charged jointly with the murder of a 78-year-old Opotiki man almost a month ago have been remanded in custody until January 13.
The slightly built pair stood quietly together in the dock of Tauranga Youth Court yesterday before Judge Christopher Harding. They were arrested on Friday.
One, who turned 15 two weeks ago, has automatic name suppression because of her age and the judge granted interim suppression to her 17-year-old co-accused until their next appearance.
Judge Harding refused an application from youth advocate Gene Tomlinson to grant bail to the 15-year-old. Craig Horsley, appearing for the older accused, did not seek bail.
Crown prosecutor Duncan McWilliam said police were unhappy about the young teenager being bailed to a Tauranga address.
They cited the risk of absconding, dissatisfaction with supervisory arrangements and the likelihood she would communicate with an adult involved in the case.
Mr Tomlinson said the girl - who introduced several whanau members at court to the judge - had strong family support, had been compliant throughout inquiries and had no history of violent crime. Judge Harding backed police, saying she had already been involved in the disposal or destruction of evidence.
When he remanded her in custody, indicating his ruling would be reviewed on January 13, the teenager dabbed at tears on her cheeks.
By then, the judge said, an electronic bail application might have been filed.
The Crown asked for a depositions hearing at the beginning of March in Tauranga "for logistic and safety reasons".
A significant number of physical exhibits would be involved and audio facilities required, Mr McWilliam said.
The small size of the courtroom in Opotiki's courthouse and the lack of barriers to control those attending meant the venue was inconvenient.
Judge Harding: "Surely Whakatane would be more suitable than Tauranga?"
The depositions date and venue would be resolved at the January appearance, he decided.
Also remanded in custody with name suppression until then was a 21-year-old man charged in Tauranga District Court with being an accessory after the fact and conspiring to defeat the course of justice.
His lawyer, Tony Balme, asked for interim suppression to protect the identity of the young person he had been living with.
Judge Harding warned reporters of the need for "extreme caution in reporting these matters".
The body of retired schoolteacher John Rowe was found at his Opotiki home on November 26.
- NZPA
