The woman and man charged in relation to the murder of Otautau man Dale Watene can now be named. 

Sandy Maree Graham is charged with the murder of Dale Watene and George Hyde is charged with being an accessory to the murder. 

They have both pleaded not guilty. 

Graham’s interim name suppression lapsed on September 30 however she could not be name until Hyde’s suppression lapsed yesterday (Tuesday, December 8).

The Court of Appeal did not receive a further application for name suppression for Hyde, therefore his suppression lifted.

Dale Tama Watene (40) of Otautau, went missing between April 15 and 18. His vehicle was found by police on April 18 at Holt Park in Otautau. A homicide inquiry was launched follow the discovery of his body in the Longwood Forestry block in May.

Police then arrested and charged Graham and Hyde in August. 

The court trial is set for August 2021.