JPs hearing evidence against Mark Lundy

The depositions hearing for Mark Edward Lundy, accused of murdering his wife and daughter last August, has opened in Palmerston North after a warning to journalists that parts of the evidence were likely to be suppressed.

Defense counsel Mike Behrens, QC, told reporters before the hearing began that he would be asking the court to suppress the prosecution's opening statement - a copy of which had been provided in advance.

Lundy, a 42-year-old sales representative, is charged with killing his wife Christine, 38, and daughter Amber, 7, at their home in the Palmerston North suburb of Kelvin Grove.

The hearing, before two justices of the peace, is expected to take four to five days.