Trial date set for Te Awamutu murder accused

Corey Jefferies, right, is accused of murdering his partner Kim Richmond, left. He will go on trial in July next year.

A trial date has been set for the man accused of the murder of his partner in Te Awamutu.

Corey Scott Jefferies made a brief appearance in the High Court at Hamilton this morning before Justice Sarah Katz.

Jefferies, 45, is charged with the murder of his partner of 26 years, Kim Richmond, who disappeared during the early hours of July 31, 2016 from the remote farm they shared in Arohena.

Corey Scott Jefferies appears via video visual link in the High Court at Hamilton in July.

Her body was eventually discovered in her silver Ford Ranger which was pulled from Lake Arapuni, not far from the family home, in June.

A pre-trial callover was set down for April, while the two week trial is set down for July 23 next year.

Jefferies was remanded on further electronically-monitored bail to reappear for the trial.