Trial date set for Tauranga murder-accused Colin Jeffries-Smith

Gate Pa man Colin Jeffries-Smith, 26, is defending a charge of murdering 58-year-old Lance Wayne Waite. Photo/John Borren

A new trial date has been set for a Tauranga murder-accused.

Gate Pa man Colin Jeffries-Smith, 26, is defending a charge of murdering 58-year-old Lance Wayne Waite.

Police say Mr Waite died on January 3, shortly after being left at Tauranga Hospital's emergency department with critical injuries.

Jeffries-Smith, 26, was arrested and charged with murder the following day.

At a case review hearing in the High Court at Tauranga this morning Crown prosecutor Anna Pollett said the police investigation had continued after the arrest and further charges were likely to be laid.

She estimated Jeffries-Smith's trial would take four to six weeks.

Also appearing via audio-visual link, Justice Sarah Katz scheduled the trial to begin on May 6, 2019.

Jeffries-Smith was remanded in custody until a case review hearing on June 6.