A bail bid by a Kerikeri man accused of murdering his partner's toddler son was rejected when he appeared in Kaikohe District Court today.
Kyle Skerten, 21, a beneficiary, is charged with murdering Riley Justin Osborne.
The Northern News reported Skerten appeared before Judge Keith De Ridder to apply for electronic bail but his bid was rejected.
The judge said he considered Skerten to be at risk of interfering with crown witnesses.
Skerten had allegedly sent a witness a text with words to the effect of "we have to keep our stories the same", Judge De Ridder said.
Riley died on December 23 after receiving horrific injuries on December 19 which, if he had survived, would have left him blind and brain damaged.
He was living with his 22-year-old mother, Jayde Somer Osborne, Skerten and a family friend in Kerikeri when he was injured.
Osborne and Donna Thomas have been charged with obstructing the course of justice.
Skerten also faces six methamphetamine-related charges. He has pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional damage, one count of intimidation and one of possession of cannabis.
He will re-appear for a pre-depositions hearing on February 19.
