Murder trial delayed until next year

The trial of a man for the murder of an elderly Auckland woman is unlikely to be held before next year, two years after her death.

Wayne John Reid, 58, was to have stood trial in the High Court in Auckland on November 23 for the murder of Dorothy Beryl Campbell, 84.

However, in a court hearing today the trial was vacated by Justice Peter Woodhouse and a new trial date will be set later this month. The reason for the delay were not available.

Mrs Campbell's body was found in her home in Henderson, West Auckland, in February last year but a post mortem failed to establish how she died.

Police began a homicide inquiry after receiving new information about her death.

In March last year Reid was remanded to a psychiatric unit for assessment.

- NZPA