Backpacker murder trial delayed until next year

The trial of Michael Scott Wallace, accused of murdering German backpacker Birgit Brauer last September has been delayed until next year.

Wallace, 44, is charged with the kidnap and murder of 28-year-old Ms Brauer on September 20 last year after her body was found beaten and stabbed at Lucy's Gully, near Oakura, southwest of New Plymouth.

He was found to have a case to answer after a depositions hearing in April.

A High Court jury trial was scheduled for late October, but National Radio reported today that the court had deferred it until February next year to ensure all the crown evidence was filed in time to allow counsel Susan Hughes to prepare Wallace's defence.

- NZPA