13 Jan 2012

Man accused of journalist's murder to seek electronic bail

8:23 pm on 13 January 2012

A 19-year-old accused of the murder of Radio New Zealand journalist Phillip Cottrell will apply for electronically monitored bail.

Nicho Waipuka appeared in the Wellington District Court on Friday morning.

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Mr Cottrell, 43, was beaten on a central Wellington street as he walked home from work just after 5.30am on 10 December last year. He died in hospital the following day.

Mr Waipuka and 17-year-old Manuel Robinson are charged with his murder.

Police on Friday sought extra time to file their paperwork regarding the murder charge and Judge Susan Thomas granted the application.

The judge declined media applications to photograph Mr Waipuka, as his lawyer indicated identification would be an issue at trial.

Judge Thomas remanded Nicho Waipuka in custody until 3 February.

While standing in the dock he smiled at supporters and blew kisses to his girlfriend, and as he left the court he told them he loved them.

Manuel Robinson will also reappear in court on 20 February. He was granted bail at a court hearing shortly before Christmas.