Work and Income shooting: Trial set for February

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

The trial for the man accused of last year's Work and Income shootings in Ashburton will start on February 22 next year, it's been confirmed today.

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 also faces charges that include theft, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and setting a man trap.

The trial, before Justice Cameron Mander, was due to start today.

But it was adjourned after a pre-trial hearing last week.

Details of that hearing were suppressed but Justice Mander has now allowed media to report that the new trial date has been set down for February 22 next year, and that the "reason for the adjournment is to accommodate Mr Tully's legal representation at trial".

The trial is expected to take 2-3 weeks and will be heard at the High Court in Christchurch.

Tully is remanded in custody.