A teenager who denies murdering a Christchurch pensioner can today be named for the first time.
Taniela Kotoioga Waitokio was 16-years-old when he was charged with killing 87-year-old Harold Richardson at his Owens Terrace home in Upper Riccarton in August.
At his first appearance at Youth Court in Christchurch a judge made a suppression order which banned publication of his name and gender.
Today at a pre-trial callover at the High Court in Christchurch, the suppression order lapsed unopposed by defence counsel Jonathan Eaton QC. Waitokia has earlier pleaded not guilty.
Since then, he has turned 17 which means he is remanded at a youth wing at Christchurch Prison before another callover on December 11.