Cheers greeted the announcement in the Wellington District Court on Thursday that one of the men accused of murdering a Radio New Zealand journalist would be released on bail.
Name suppression was also lifted. The defendant can now be named as Manuel Robinson, 17.
About 10 supporters in court to watch the proceedings cheered and shouted out Christmas wishes when his release was announced.
Mr Robinson and Nicho Waipuka, 19, are charged with murdering Phillip Cottrell, who was assaulted in Boulcott St, central Wellington, on 10 December and died the following day.
Citing a provision in the Bail Act that compels the release of anyone under 20 unless there is no alternative, Judge Stephen Harrop released Mr Robinson from custody to his mother's Lower Hutt address.
The judge refused to allow any photographs to be taken of Mr Robinson; both the prosecution and the defence had raised concerns in that regard.
Mr Waipuka has been remanded in custody until next year.
