Defendant named, pleads not guilty to murder of Upper Hutt baby

William Wakefield plead not guilty in the Wellington High Court. Photo credit: Newshub

William Martin Wakefield has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a five-month-old baby in Upper Hutt.

The 31-year-old is accused of murdering his partner's son Lincoln on June 11. Wakefield is alleged to have been caring for Lincoln while the baby's mother was at work.

Justice David Collins ended name suppression for Wakefield in the High Court in Wellington on Wednesday.

Lincoln died in Wellington Hospital from serious head injuries after undergoing surgery.

Wakefield has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm between May 7 and June 4.

A police cordon outside the Upper Hutt house following the death of the baby. Photo credit: Newshub

Wakefield has been remanded in custody after an application for bail was denied. He will go on trial in June next year.

Newshub.

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