A 20-year-old man accused of a fatal stabbing in Momona has pleaded not guilty.
He appeared for the first time in the High Court at Dunedin by video link yesterday charged with the murder of Grant Jopson last month.
Counsel Sarah Saunderson-Warner said her client was being assessed by a psychologist that could provide further evidence for continued name suppression.
Justice Cameron Mander made a temporary order which will run until the defendant’s next appearance in February.
A police spokeswoman previously said emergency services were called to an altercation near the entrance road to Dunedin Airport at Momona on October 15. One person was taken to Dunedin Hospital.
Mr Jopson was in a moderate condition after being stabbed but deteriorated on the way to hospital and later died.
His employer, Quality Firewood Dunedin, posted a tribute to him on Facebook following the news of his death.
‘‘Sadly we have lost our longest serving staff member Grant Jopson, rest in peace mate. Thank you for your loyal service, the laughs and the support. Love to your wife Brenda and son Daniel,’’ it said.
The defendant remains on bail in Invercargill and a provisional trial date for June next year was set.
