The man charged with the murder of Mongrel Mob Barbarians boss Steven Taiatini has managed to keep his name secret for now.
The 50-year-old appeared at the Whakatāne District court this morning, nine months since Taiatini's death.
Crown prosecutor Anna Pollett requested that a charge of perverting the course of justice be withdrawn in light of the murder charge.
The man stood quietly in the dock but some in the public gallery called out as he was led away.
He also gestured to them.
The man was remanded in custody and no plea was entered.
Meanwhile, interim name and image suppression will continue until next month.
There was a large police presence in and outside the court.
The man will reappear at the High Court in Tauranga in April, and the other charges will be heard at the Tauranga District Court later this month.
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