William Wakefield denies murdering 5-month-old baby in Upper Hutt

William Wakefield in the dock after pleading not guilty to murder in the High Court at Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The man accused of murdering a 5-month-old baby in Upper Hutt can now be named.

William Wakefield has pleaded not guilty to killing Lincoln Wakefield, whom emergency services found seriously injured at an Upper Hutt home last month.

The baby was treated, including undergoing surgery, but died in hospital shortly after.

Wakefield, 31, was in a relationship with the baby's mother, and would care for the child while the mother was at work.

As well as the murder charge, police have also laid a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, saying the offence took place between May 7 and June 4.

He denies both charges.

Tearful family members hugged each other in the public gallery as details of the alleged offending were read out by the judge.

Wakefield's application for bail was declined, and he was remanded in custody to September 3 for case review.