19 Dec 2018

Trial date set for man accused of murder by decapitation

2:22 pm on 19 December 2018

Name suppression has been continued for the man accused of murdering Petone man Francis Tyson by decapitation.

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Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The 41-year-old man charged has made his second appearance via audio visual link in the High Court in Wellington today.

He has also been charged with having drugs for sale and supply and intentional damage.

A trial date has been set for 10 February 2020.

Justice Simon France continued the accused's name suppression through until his next court appearance in February.

Crown lawyer Grant Burston said the victim's family, who were seated at the back of the courtroom, wished to have the name suppression lifted.

Justice France addressed the victim's family directly about the name suppression. "I understand these matters can be very frustrating," he said.

The accused will be remanded in custody until his trial.