A teenager jointly accused of murdering Wellington journalist Phillip Cottrell has been further remanded in custody, but is expected to seek electronically-monitored bail.
Nicho Waipuka, 19, is charged, alongside 17-year-old Manuel Renera Robinson, with killing the 43-year-old Radio New Zealand journalist as he walked home from work in central Wellington last month.
He was found in Boulcott St by a taxi driver shortly after being attacked and was rushed to hospital, where he died the following day.
Waipuka reappeared in Wellington District Court on Friday, where Judge Susan Thomas further remanded him in custody until February 3, when he is expected to make an application for electronically monitored bail.
Judge Thomas further declined a move by media to photograph Waipuka in court and continued suppression of his image.
Publishing images of Waipuka could prejudice his right to a fair trial, Judge Thomas said.
Judge Thomas granted the police an extension until March 5 to file formal written statements as a number of witnesses are yet to make formal statements.
Waipuka smiled at his supporters in the public gallery throughout the hearing, and called out that he loved them as he was led from the dock.
Judge Thomas also called Robinson to appear in court on Friday, despite him previously being remanded on bail to reappear in February at his last appearance.
Robinson's lawyer, Mike Antunovic, was not at court and the case was held over for Robinson to appear on January 16.
NZN