A 16-year-old teenager, Jammal Henry, who was charged with murder following the discovery of a deceased man at a Greymouth property, has had his name suppression lifted. The High Court at Christchurch, presided over by Justice Jonathan Eaton, confirmed this decision on Friday morning.
The charges against Henry stem from the incident where the body of 67-year-old Donald Baikie was found at a property on Chapel St on September 30 last year. Despite pleading not guilty to the murder charge at an earlier court appearance, a two-week jury trial has been scheduled in Greymouth starting on October 27.
Although NZME was granted permission to photograph Henry by Justice Eaton, a decision regarding electronic bail is still pending, with a judicial conference scheduled for April 1. The location of a proposed bail address has been suppressed by the court, with bail submissions being heard earlier today.
Currently held at the Te Puna WaiōTuhinapo Youth Justice Residence in Rolleston, Christchurch, Henry appeared in court via audio-visual link where family members were present to show their support.
Justice Eaton highlighted that during the trial, the jury would need to consider factors such as intent and the possibility of an intervening assault.
