Man to face trial for murder over house fire death

West Coast man Craig Brad Wilson was yesterday committed for trial for the murder of Karl Daniel Watson.

Mr Watson, 18, died in a house fire on Herbert St, Greymouth, about 3.30am on October 2.

Wilson, 22, of Dunollie has been charged with murder by arson. Justices of the Peace Richard Williams and Neil Ellery ruled at the conclusion of a depositions hearing in Greymouth that the evidence was sufficient to progress the matter to trial.

Defence counsel Doug Taffs had unsuccessfully submitted there was insufficient evidence to warrant a High Court trial.

A trial date has not yet been set but it will be this year.

- NZPA