Teenager committed for trial for murder

An 15-year-old accused of murdering a man in Tokoroa has been committed for trial to the High Court at Rotorua.

The teenager, who has interim name suppression, is charged with murdering Auckland man Tuarae Eitiare Tau at Tokoroa two days after Christmas.

The youth, from Auckland, appeared in Tokoroa Youth Court yesterday for a depositions hearing before Judge Greg Hikaka.

Depositions evidence was handed up to the judge by Rotorua Crown prosecutor Jonothan Briscoe. The youth's lawyer Harry Edward conceded there was a case to answer.

At the end of the depositions the youth pleaded not guilty to murder and was remanded on bail to a relative's Auckland home.

The youth is due to appear at a callover hearing in the High Court on April 7 when it is expected a date for his trial will be set.

- DAILY POST (Rotorua)