Name suppression lapses for Taupo murder accused

Simon Harvey Frank appeared in the High Court at Rotorua this morning via audio visual link. Photo/Ben Fraser

Name suppression has lapsed for the man charged with murdering his wife at Easter.

Simon Harvey Frank, 56, from Wellington appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today via audio visual link charged with the murder of Petra Frank, 58.

Frank had interim name suppression which lapsed today.

Justice Timothy Brewer said he had received a psychiatric report that said Frank was fit to plead to the charge and stand trial.

However, Frank's lawyer, Harry Edward, asked his client be remanded for 30 days to allow another report to be carried out.

Justice Brewer remanded Frank into the custody of the Henry Bennett Centre in Hamilton to reappear in the High Court at 9.30am on June 7.

The murder is alleged to have happened on Saturday April 15 at a Mahuta Rd property at Five Mile Bay, near Taupo.

Emergency services responded to a report a woman had suffered stab wounds in the morning. She was taken to Waikato Hospital but died that day.

Police investigate a scene at Five Mile Bay, Taupo at Easter. Photo/Laurilee McMichael