Man charged with murdering baby

A 35-year-old Auckland man has been charged with the murder of a 16-month-old baby boy three months ago.

Sachin Dhani, of Remuera, died of severe head injuries after being babysat by relatives in Mt Wellington.

The relatives' own twin boys, aged about three, had been removed from their care and were now living with other family members.

The 35-year-old plumber was today charged by police with murdering Sachin.

He made a brief appearance at Auckland District Court late today, where he was remanded in custody until Wednesday.

Judge Emma Aitken granted the man interim name suppression until Wednesday because of possible damage to his young children and parents if his name was published.

The seriously injured boy was discovered when police stopped a car and the occupants said they were taking him to hospital.

The boy died two days later after being taken off life-support.

A post-mortem examination showed Sachin died from blunt-force trauma to the head.

The accused's lawyer Maria Pecotic said an application for continued name suppression and for bail would be made when he reappears on Wednesday. Police indicated they would oppose both.

Detective senior sergeant Scott Beard said the three-month inquiry had been difficult, as police had encountered some complex issues.