Name suppression has been lifted for two teenagers accused of murdering a gay man in Rotorua's Kuirau Park in January. AAP reports they are William Karauna Edwards, 15, and Leslie McKay Glen, 14. They are charged jointly with Simon Herewini, 21. A fourth man, Rawiri James Samuel, 21, has pleaded guilty to Roman Skorek's murder and is to be sentenced on December 6. Skorek’s body was found mutilated in Kuirau Park on January 23. The police summary of facts says the 64-year-old was drinking with a group of young men in the park when Samuel became angry because the older man looked at his crotch area. A post mortem found Skorek had had a deep skull fracture and his carotid artery severed. He also suffered severe bruising and lacerations. His death was caused by a stab wound to his chest. Justice Graham Lang has reportedly agreed to the 15-year-old accused Edwards being assessed by a health professional, preferably a psychologist, to assess his ability and capacity to understand the evidence and advice given him by his counsel. AAP adds that in addition, the trial is to be run in a way that will take into account the ages of the youngest accused – this includes shortened sitting hours, neither the judge nor counsel will wear gowns, before the trial their lawyers will be able to familiarise them with the court's layout and they will be entitled to a support person.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 8th November 2012 - 12:05pm