Trial delayed for man accused of Work and Income shootings

Police and forensic officers at the Ashburton Winz office where three staff members were shot. Photo / Mark Mitchell, NZ Herald

A trial for the man accused of last year's Work and Income shootings in Ashburton, which was due to begin on Monday, has been delayed until next year.

Homeless man Russell John Tully, 48, denies murdering Work and Income front-counter workers Peggy Turuhira Noble, 67, and Susan Leigh Cleveland, 55, on September 1 last year.

He is also accused of attempting to murder two other staff members - Lindy Louise Curtis, 43, who was shot in the leg and badly injured, and Kim Elizabeth Adams.

Tully faces charges of murder and attempted murder, and other charges including theft, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and setting a man-trap.

Last week, it was announced that the 2-3 week long trial, before Justice Cameron Mander, was to start on November 23.

However, after a pre-trial conference at the High Court in Christchurch this morning, it has now been delayed.

All details of this morning's conference have been suppressed.

The trial won't now happen until next year. A date will be set down later.

Tully is remanded in custody.