Kuirau Park murder accused in court (update) | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

The two Rotorua men accused of murdering Polish man Roman Skorek have appeared briefly in court.

Simon Meka Herewini, 20, unemployed, and baker Rawiri James Samuel, 21, appeared separately in the Rotorua District Court yesterday charged with murdering the 64-year-old on January 23.

He was found dead in Kuirau Park.

The pair have not entered pleas to the charge and Judge Phillip Cooper remanded them in custody to appear on March 5.

Herewini is represented by Harry Edward, while Samuel is represented by Martin Hine, although Alastair Burns appeared on Samuel's behalf yesterday. Several of Samuel's family and other supporters were in court yesterday.

The Daily Post was the only media agency to have a photo application approved to take still photographs of the pair in court.

A 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both of whom legally can't be named, have been charged with assaulting Mr Skorek and are due to appear in Rotorua Youth Court next week.

Police have previously said Mr Skorek suffered injuries to his head and body.

Kuirau Park was cordoned off for two days last month while police carried out their investigation, after Mr Skorek's body was found by a member of the public about 1.30am on January 24.