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The High Court has allowed one of the two gang members who admitted murdering Wanganui toddler Jhia Te Tua, to withdraw his plea.
Two-year-old Jhia Te Tua was killed when hit by a high-powered rifle bullet as she slept in her Wanganui home in May last year.
Hayden Wallace and Karl Unuka Check pleaded guilty in April to murdering the two-year-old.
However, last month they indicated they wished to vacate the murder pleas.
The High Court at Wellington yesterday allowed Check to withdraw his plea.
Justice Ron Young suppressed the reasons for his decision until charges against all the accused in the case had been decided.
Wallace's application to have his plea reversed has yet to be heard.
Twelve men were originally charged with Jhia's murder, but charges were altered or downgraded during a depositions hearing.
Two men who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jhia were due to be sentenced on June 27 and another who pleaded guilty to being part of an organised criminal group will be sentenced on Friday.
Three men have already been sentenced to jail terms of between 18 months and two years three months, for being part of an organised criminal group.
- NZPA
