Mental fitness of man accused of killing wife, daughter to be assessed

Ishrat Malik in the dock at Auckland High Court this morning. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A West Auckland man accused of murdering his wife and daughter will be assessed by a psychiatrist to determine his fitness to stand trial.

Taxi driver Ishrat Malik appeared in the High Court at Auckland today, where his lawyer Paul Borich said he was having trouble getting instructions from his client.

Mr Borich had employed a psychiatrist, who was preparing a report about Malik.

A not guilty plea was entered on Malik's behalf and the 55-year-old will stay in custody until his next appearance in August.

A tentative trial date was set for February.

He is charged with the murder of his wife Farhat Rana Malik, in her 50s and known as Rana, and his daughter Sidra Noor Malik, believed to be in her teens.

Both women were found dead with stab wounds in their Pooks Rd, Ranui, property in May.

In court today Malik, who was assisted by an Urdu interpreter, clutched his side and groaned.