Teenager accused of killing journalist will stay in jail

Published on 31/03/2012 01:33

A TEENAGER charged with the murder of a Scottish journalist in New Zealand has dropped his bail application.

Nicho Waipuka, 19, is accused of killing Phillip Cottrell, who was attacked on his way home from work in Wellington in December. The teenager had indicated he was keen to apply for electronic bail ahead of his trial.

But yesterday his legal team revealed the application had been abandoned because a suitable address could not be found for Waipuka.

Mr Cottrell, 43, suffered brain damage and multiple fractures after he was assaulted during the street attack. He was found unconscious by a taxi driver and rushed to hospital. He later died despite emergency surgery.

Waipuka was charged after detectives appealed for him to come forward in connection with the investigation. He has been remanded until May.