Falconio suspect to face trial

The body of Mr Falconio, pictured with Joanne Lees, was never found

The man accused of killing British tourist Peter Falconio in Australia will stand trial for his murder early next year, a Darwin court has ruled.

Bradley Murdoch, 45, is also accused of abducting Joanne Lees, Mr Falconio's girlfriend, in an ambush on a remote highway in 2001. She later escaped.

The body of Mr Falconio, from Huddersfield, was never found.

Vincent James, Miss Lees' stepfather, welcomed the ruling. "We are pleased about it, it is good news," he said.

Mr James, from Huddersfield, said his stepdaughter intends to go to the trial and will be pleased with the court's decision.

He said: "If Joanne wants me to go out with her [for the trial], I'll go with her. I know she's going."

We are pleased about it, it is good news Vincent James Joanne Lees' stepfather Australia captivated by Falconio case

He said the family just want her to get through the ordeal.

The court in Darwin had been hearing evidence for the last five weeks to decide if Mr Murdoch should face a full trial.

Prosecutors allege Mr Murdoch flagged down the couple's van before shooting Mr Falconio and abducting Miss Lees, who escaped and hid in the bush. He has denied the charges.