The man accused of the murder of a teenager in Christchurch has denied the charge on the first day of his trial in the High Court there.
Jeremy McLaughlin pleaded not guilty on Monday to the killing of Jade Bayliss, 13, in 2011.
However, he pleaded guilty to charges of breaking and entering as well as arson and the case was adjourned until Thursday.
Jade's body was found inside a house at Somerfield after a fire in October 2011. She had been assaulted before she died.
A psychiatric report on the accused earlier this year concluded he is fit to stand trial.
