Orakei murder charge may change to manslaughter

The man police claim murdered Orakei woman Margaret Waterhouse is expected to have his charge down-graded to manslaughter when he next appears in court.

Unemployed Orakei 35-year-old Luke Graham Heatherington entered no plea to murder in Auckland District Court today.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Rod Fraser, said he understood the murder charge would be withdrawn, but it would have to wait until Heatherington's next appearance because only brief details were available.

Defence lawyer Wendy Matthews said there was no opposition to the move.

Judge John Hole remanded Heatherington in custody until June 5, when a one-day depositions hearing will decide whether he has a case to answer.

Ms Waterhouse, aged 42, died in Auckland Hospital from head injuries on New Year's Eve.