Adrian Bayley's trial over the alleged murder of Jill Meagher will start in September. Source: Supplied
Jill Meagher and her husband Tom on their wedding day in 2008. Source: Herald Sun
THE man accused of killing Jill Meagher has been ordered to stand trial a week after the first anniversary of her death.
At a Supreme Court directions hearing this morning Justice Geoffrey Nettle set down the trial to start on September 30, eight days after the anniversary of Ms Meagher’s murder on September 22.
The court heard the trial could last up to three weeks and is expected to be completed before October 30, what would have been Ms Meagher’s 31st birthday.
Bayley appeared via video link from Melbourne Assessment Prison for this morning's brief hearing.
The 41-year-old has pleaded not guilty to murder and two charges of rape.
He has pleaded guilty to a single count of rape.
The court heard up to 25 witnesses could be called to give evidence during the trial.
At a committal hearing last month the court heard Bayley "accosted" Ms Meagher in the early hours of September 22 before dragging her into a Brunswick laneway where it is alleged he raped and strangled her.
The court heard he left Ms Meagher’s body there before returning home where he collected a spade and his white Holden Astra.
Prosecutors allege less than three hours later he returned to the Brunswick lane, put Ms Meagher's body into the boot of the car and drove to Gisbourne where he buried her.
Ms Meagher’s family were not in court for today’s proceedings.
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