A man accused of murdering a farmer in central New South Wales will stand trial after pleading not guilty to multiple charges.
Key points:
- Clinton Beau Wrigley is accused of murdering Mr Carter at his home, stealing his ute and setting it on fire
- He was arrested in March, 2023 during a vehicle stop near Warren
- He will stand trial in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney in March
The body of 59-year-old farmer Joel Carter was found on January 25 last year at his Miandetta property near Nyngan.
Clinton Beau Wrigley appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday via audio-visual link.
He is charged with four offences, including murder.
Mr Wrigley pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Carter, as well as not guilty to stealing a motor vehicle, damaging property by fire, and larceny.
Police accused the 39-year-old of assaulting Mr Carter at his property near Nyngan on January 23, 2023.
Police alleged Mr Wrigley then stole Mr Carter's property and Toyota Hilux ute before setting the vehicle on fire.
Police discovered the farmer's body two days later while performing a welfare check.
A post-mortem revealed he died from significant head trauma.
Homicide detectives and local police established a dedicated strike force to investigate his death.
Mr Wrigley was arrested in March 2023 by officers in plain clothes during a vehicle stop near Warren.
He remains in custody and will appear in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney on March 8 for his arraignment.