Teenager admits murdering teacher

Barbara Julian. Photo / Supplied

A Kaitaia teenager has pleaded guilty to murdering 70-year-old semi-retired school teacher Barbara Julian.

Jameel Job, 17, admitted the charge in the High Court at Whangarei on Thursday after earlier stating he was not fit to participate in trial proceedings or to give instructions. He was remanded to the Mason Clinic early this year and was later declared fit to plead.

The case was again called in the High Court on Friday where Crown solicitor Mike Smith and defence lawyer Doug Blaikie agreed to a disputed facts hearing at a date to be decided.

Justice Hugh Williams indicated that sentencing was likely to proceed either on October 7 or 8.

Two pathologists - one based in the United States and the other in Tauranga - are expected to provide information on injuries suffered by Ms Julian. Mr Blaikie has asked for a psychological report into Job's mental state when he murdered Ms Julian. Job has been further remanded to the Mason Clinic.

Police have yet to reveal how Ms Julian died, but Job was arrested shortly after her body was found after friends went to her home when she failed to keep a social appointment.

They called police to the Matthews Ave home on November 4, 2009.

She had lived at Broadwood with her late husband Ted and started her teaching career there in 1960.

- APN