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Wheelie bin baby death: Accused woman drops name suppression fight amid fears case would harm house price
HHeadlines

Wheelie bin baby death: Accused woman drops name suppression fight amid fears case would harm house price

  • December 16, 2025

Her partner was also living at the address where the baby was found, the Herald understands.

The discovery sparked a police investigation and Smith was arrested the next day.

Auckland District Court Judge Claire Ryan said in October suppression arguments relating to potential effects on the property’s resale value were effectively the opinion of someone in the household that had been turned into an affidavit.

Judge Ryan said the submissions were “a bit light on the ground” and there was no evidence from a real estate agent to back up claims that media publication would diminish the home’s sale price.

She granted Yi until December 12 to file something more substantial.

During a hearing on Friday, Yi advised the court the name suppression application was no longer being pursued.

Earlier this year, Smith appeared in Auckland’s Criminal Procedure Mentally Impaired Persons court (CPMIP).

Yi entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf to a charge of interfering with human remains.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.

The court heard Smith had been held at the Mason Clinic but her condition had improved. She is now on electronic bail.

Judge Pippa Sinclair ordered that an insanity report be prepared.

Smith is scheduled to reappear in court on February 18.

The CPMIP convenes every fortnight at Auckland District Court to assess the mental health of defendants and determine their fitness to stand trial.

“The CPMIP protects the mentally ill from the harsh realities of ordinary criminal courts, providing a safer environment attuned to their needs,” the District Court’s website says.

“The court handles cases involving defendants with severe mental health issues, such as delusions and hallucinations, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support.”

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