Trial date set for fire murder accused

Jacqueline Blackbourn. Photo / Supplied

A man charged with murdering a woman whose body was found in a burning Auckland house in June will stand trial in October.

The 28-year-old man, whose name is suppressed, is charged with the murder of Jacqueline Blackbourn, 43.

Ms Blackbourn's body was found inside a burning bedroom at a house on View Road, Glenfield on the night of June 26.

Police say Ms Blackbourn, who came to New Zealand from England 20 years ago, suffered a violent death.

A starting date of October 25 has been set aside for the man's trial, which is expected to take three weeks.

The case will return to court beforehand for pre-trial applications in March.

- NZPA