The man accused of murdering Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming in Nelson on New Year’s Day has had his name suppression extended and is yet to enter a plea.
The 32-year-old, who made his second appearance via video link while in custody today, is facing a raft of charges including murder, attempted murder and assault using a vehicle as a weapon.
Fleming died after being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of New Years Day in Buxton Square car park in central Nelson while on foot patrol. Her colleague Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay was injured.
Lawyer for the accused John Sandston told the High Court in Nelson that he expected his client would be in a position to enter a plea at the next hearing set down for February 28.
Crown solicitor Mark O’Donoghue indicated regardless of the plea that the Crown would support name suppression being lifted after the appearance.
Fleming was farewelled in Nelson on January 16 in a private funeral service attended by around 1300 people, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, who knew Fleming personally, described her as “a beautiful soul”.
She worked for police for 30 years and prior to that for eight years as a traffic officer. Fleming had volunteered to work the New Year’s Eve shift.
