Name suppression lifted for man accused of murdering Joseph Rowland Keogh

Police examining the scene where they believe Joseph Rowland Keogh suffered fatal injuries on Saturday night.

A Northland man accused of murder after a fatal fight can now be named.

Interim name suppression for Paul Edward Harris, 50, lapsed when he appeared in the High Court at Whangarei today.

He entered a plea of not guilty through his lawyer Arthur Fairley and was further remanded in custody to re-appear for a bail hearing on May 6.

Harris is accused of murdering 29-year-old Joseph Rowland Keogh near Kaitaia on April 11.

Harris had indicated during a previous appearance in the Kaitaia Community Magistrate's Court on April 13 he would argue self defence.

He was granted interim name suppression on April 13, which was not opposed by police.

Mr Fairley did not seek continuation of name suppression during today's proceeding which was conducted via audio visual link from Auckland. A trial date is yet to be set.

It is believed Mr Keogh and another person were involved in a fight on the side of Fairburn Rd.

Two of Mr Keogh's children and two young siblings were believed to have seen the incident and drove the him to the nearest house.

An ambulance was called and Mr Keogh was driven about 12km to Kaitaia Hospital.