Suspect denies killing toddler

A man suspected of killing a 3-year-old Auckland boy has denied any responsibility for the death.

Douglas Temapara Hoeta, 38, and Patricia Angela Pickering, 36, both unemployed, appeared in the Manukau District Court before Judge Sharon McAuslan yesterday.

The pair were arrested on Saturday after a scene examination by police and a specialist P lab team investigating the death of Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni.

The toddler, who is not a blood relation to the pair but had been living in their care for about the last year, died in Auckland's Starship hospital on Friday of unexplained head injuries.

No one has been charged in relation to his death but police said in the Papakura District Court on Monday that Hoeta was a suspect in a homicide inquiry involving the death of a 3-year-old.

Hoeta and Pickering are jointly charged with the possession of precursor materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Hoeta's lawyer, Paul Borich told the court there was a possibility of "jury taint" if the charges his client was facing were associated with further charges in the future.

He requested Hoeta's name be kept secret.

Mr Borich said the police opposition to bail suggested Hoeta was a suspect in Dylan's death.

"He denies any responsibility or any wrongdoing in relation to that."

Mr Borich asked that Judge McAuslan consider Hoeta's bail on the charges he was facing - not charges he might face in the future.

But she denied Hoeta bail and lifted the interim name suppression ordered on Monday.

The pair stood quietly, side by side in the dock, with their arms folded as their case was heard.

But they became more emotional and embraced when they learned that Hoeta would be sent to prison until his next appearance but Pickering was free to leave on bail.

Pickering wiped her eyes and the couple whispered to each other and held hands before Hoeta was led from the courtroom.

He kissed Pickering on the lips before he left.

By Beck Vass