KEY POINTS:
The identities of 12 men charged with murdering a Wanganui toddler in a drive-by gang shooting can now be revealed after name suppression was lifted by a district court judge today.
The charges arise from the death on May 5 of Jhia Harmony Te Tua, killed after Mongrel Mob members shot at the house in Puriri St, in the Wanganui suburb of Gonville, where she lived with her mother and Black Power member father.
Twelve men face murder charges and in Wanganui District Court today Judge John Clapham ruled that interim name suppression orders that had been in place since the men were arrested now be lifted.
Eleven of the murder accused appeared individually before the court today and the 12th was called but did not appear as his appearance had been excused.
The 12 are Tyrone Box, James Challis, Karl Check, Ranji Forbes, Michael Kumeroa, Geoffrey Muraahi, Erueti Nahona, Kenneth Smith, Hayden Wallace, Chance Church, Richard Puohotaua and Noel Broughton.
Church's appearance was excused and he was remanded on bail. Puohotaua and Broughton will appear later today in closed court to apply for bail.
The remaining nine were remanded in custody. All 12 were remanded until September 6.
Three other people charged with offences relating to the incident also appeared today and were remanded on bail.
Storm Campbell is charged with obstructing justice. Luke Check and a man whose name remains suppressed face charges of being an accessory after the fact.
Patched Mongrel Mob members gathered outside court during and after the appearances and the public gallery was packed with supporters of the accused people.
Increased security during earlier appearances was not in place today, with no visible police presence other than those escorting the accused men from the cells.
A metal detector in place at the entrance to the court was not in operation.
Judge Clapham noted there was a security risk and asked members of the public not to communicate with the accused people as they were brought in and out of the dock, one by one. If this was not complied with he would have to clear part of the courtroom, he said.
He scheduled a hearing for August 24 so lawyers could meet to discuss a possible date for a depositions hearing and logistical matters such as the need for applications for witness anonymity in the depositions and trial.
- NZPA
