17 Jun 2015

Blessie killer fights to keep name secret

12:12 pm on 17 June 2015

The lawyer for the man convicted of killing Auckland woman Blessie Gotingco has moved to make sure his client's name stays secret.

Blessie Gotingco murder trial *****(NAME SUPPRESSION. OK TO USE IMAGE ON JUDGE'S RULING)*******

The man convicted of raping and murdering Blessie Gotingco. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

A jury at the High Court in Auckland last month found the 28-year-old man guilty of her rape and murder in May 2014.

His name suppression was lifted after the verdict but interim suppression put in place immediately after.

The man's lawyer said he had now filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal against lifting the name suppression.

A date is yet to be set for the hearing.

The man is due to be sentenced in August.

Tributes to Blessie Gotingco at Birkdale Primary School.

Tributes to Blessie Gotingco at Birkdale Primary School. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton

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