KEY POINTS:
Two people who appeared in court on drugs charges from the police inquiry into the death of a three-year-old South Auckland boy have lost their privacy.
Douglas Temapara Hoeta, 38, and Patricia Angela Pickering, 36, appeared in the Manukau District Court on charges of possessing equipment for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine and the unlawful possession of a firearm.
Their defence counsel Paul Borich requested name suppression but was declined.
Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni died in Auckland's Starship Hospital on Friday from what police have called "unexplained" and "suspicious" head injuries.
Mr Borich, told the court Hoeta would deny any wrongdoing over the death of Dylan.
Mr Hoeta was remanded in custody while Ms Pickering was released again on bail.
The pair will appear again in the Manukau District Court on May 7.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
