The man charged with the murder of his five-month-old stepson can now be named.
William Wakefield appeared at the Wellington High Court today. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Name suppression has lapsed for William Wakefield, 31, who appeared in the High Court in Wellington this morning.
He is accused of murdering Lincoln Wakefield last month. He has also been charged with wounding the little boy with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
That charge relates to events alleged to have occurred between 7 May and 4 June this year.
Emergency services were called to the Upper Hutt home - which the defendant shared with the little boy and his mother - on 11 June.
The baby had serious head injuries and underwent surgery, but later died in Wellington Hospital.
Mr Wakefield pleaded not guilty to both charges and will go on trial in June next year.
He sought bail, but that was denied by Justice Collins, who remanded him in custody until the trial begins.
