An Auckland computer programmer charged with the murder of a Thai prostitute has lost his bid for continued name suppression.
Gordon Wayne Hieatt, 47, is charged with the murder of Nuttidar Vaikaew.
Ms Vaikaew, 29, known to her clients as Sky, was discovered in her home in the Auckland suburb of Western Springs on 12 May. Police say it appears she had died several weeks earlier on 17 April.
On Monday afternoon, Mr Hieatt appeared in Auckland District Court seeking continued name interim suppression.
Defence lawyer Nikolas Wintour told the court Mr Hieatt is at a high risk of suicide.
Crown prosecutor Rachael Reed opposed continued interim name suppression, saying Mr Hieatt was no longer under close observation and there were no concerns about his mental health.
Judge Michael Behrens ruled there were no grounds for continued interim name suppression.
Mr Hieatt was further remanded in custody until a further pre-depositions hearing on 17 August.
