Northland murder accused can now be named

Murder accused Julieta Hurenga Beattie has entered a not guilty plea during her first High Court appearance. Photo/Michael Cunningham

A woman who allegedly fatally stabbed a man in a small Northland town can now be named.

Julieta Hurenga Beattie, 46, of Onerahi, pleaded not guilty when she appeared in the High Court at Whangārei yesterday via audio visual link from prison.

She is accused of stabbing 57-year-old Richard Bristow at a property on Taumatamakuku Cres near Moerewa, 25km northeast of Kaikohe, on September 15. Police were called about 8.45pm that day and found Bristow had been critically injured. He died shortly afterwards.

Investigators were not seeking anyone else and there was no danger to the public.

Police would not say what the relationship between Bristow and Beattie was.

Beattie's trial has been set down for three weeks from October 14, 2019.

Crown solicitor Mike Smith said the duration could be shortened closer to the trial date.

A large number of people either related to or friends with Bristow filled the public gallery during Beattie's first appearance in the High Court yesterday.She kept her head mostly bowed during the short appearance and indicated she would likely apply for bail later.

Justice Kit Toogood remanded her back in custody for a case review on November 19.