The father of a young Rotorua boy has pleaded not guilty to murder following the death of his five-year-old.
Ferro-James Tiopira Sio died in hospital on February 8 after being beaten at his home on Union Street.
His father, 24-year-old William James Sio, had his charges upgraded to murder after being initially charged with assault of a child.
A 28-year-old woman identified as Leza Rawiri also pleaded not guilty after being charged with ill treatment and neglect of a child.
