Name still withheld

The man charged with murdering British backpacker Grace Millane has kept his identity secret for now. A hearing was held yesterday at the High Court in Auckland to determine if the 27-year-old man should be named. The man’s lawyer, Ian Brookie, argued name suppression should continue for fair trial rights. Justice Simon Moore reserved his decision, meaning the accused has continued interim name suppression until the judge releases a ruling. The majority of the contents from the hearing are unable to be reported at this stage. Members of the public were also excluded from attending with only media, police and lawyers present. Millane, 21, from England, vanished on the eve of her birthday in December while staying in Auckland. With a huge police investigation under way, the British backpacker’s body was found a week later in the Waitakere Ranges.