Hamilton fatal stabbing: Trial date set for two teenage girls charged

Norman Kingi died after disturbing a group of youths allegedly breaking into a vehicle.

A trial date has been set for two teenage girls charged with the murder of a 54-year-old Hamilton man.

A 15-year-old and 13-year-old, who was granted bail, reappeared in the High Court at Hamilton today on one count each of murder of Norman Kingi in July.

The 15-year-old also faces a charge of unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle.

The duo, whose details are suppressed, again had strong support in court from family and friends who remained silent throughout their appearances although the victim's family was visibly upset.

Justice Timothy Brewer scheduled a trial date of May 21, next year.

The 15-year-old was unable to enter a plea or apply for EM bail due to her counsel Kerry Burroughs withdrawing as her lawyer, citing "irreconcilable differences".

Len Caley - acting as agent for the 13-year-old's lawyer Roger Laybourn - entered a not guilty plea on her behalf and successfully argued for continued name suppression until trial.

Justice Timothy Brewer granted her application for electronically monitored bail. She will also reappear next month.

Conditions of her bail include not to contact her co-accused, the witnesses involved in the case or the victims.

Kingi had been walking home from the Frankton Railway Combined Sports Club when he interrupted a group of young people allegedly breaking into a car outside his home on Ranui St.