PHOTO
A Dunedin man charged with murder will be assessed by mental-health professionals, while his identity remains under wraps.
The 37-year-old appeared in the High Court at Dunedin this morning accused of killing Douglas Alexander Senior.
Justice Mander continued the suppression of the defendant’s identity and also made an order prohibiting publication of the names of four immediate family members.
At the request of both Crown and defence, the judge ordered psychiatric reports, due to be completed at the man’s next court appearance in July.
On May 22, police were called to a Somerville St property where they found the body of the victim.
Douglas Senior’s father Brian previously told the Otago Daily Times the news had been a massive shock to the family.
“It's one of those things you think happens to everybody else but you. But then when it hits you, it's a bit different,” he said.
Brian Senior said his son had been a mechanic for the last 30 years.
“He's probably the most happy-go-lucky, laid-back sort of person you'd ever meet,” he said.
A former colleague of the victim described him as an “all around good bugger that loves cars”.
No plea was entered today to the charge of murder and no application was made for bail.