Ex-tutor's murder trial delayed

Sophie Elliott suffered 216 stab wounds. Photo / Supplied

Jurors at the trial of a former Otago University tutor accused of murdering his student-girlfriend have been dismissed for the day as
counsel discuss legal arguments in chambers.

Former tutor Clayton Weatherston was due to stand trial in the High Court at Christchurch today, charged with the murder of Sophie Elliott.

Miss Elliott, 22, was stabbed to death in Dunedin on January 9 last year.

She suffered 216 stab wounds when she was allegedly attacked at the family's home in Ravensbourne.

The case was moved from Dunedin to Christchurch in February, after an application by defence counsel Judith Ablett-Kerr, QC, but the reasons for the move were suppressed.

Weatherston was ordered to stand trial after a depositions hearing midway through last year at which 17 witnesses gave evidence.

- NZPA