A Rotorua man has pleaded not guilty to killing his partner by pouring petrol over her and setting her alight in their Ngongotaha flat last year.
Gary Donald Mills, 44, unemployed, appeared at the High Court in Rotorua charged with the murder of 42-year-old Lyn Delzoppo, Newstalk ZB reported.
Crown prosecutor Fletcher Pilditch said the couple drank alcohol regularly and were well known for having arguments.
He alleged Mills tipped petrol on Ms Delzoppo as she lay in bed, then set her alight.
Ms Delzoppo, who was badly burned, managed to get out of the house and told a neighbour "he tipped petrol over me and the house and ran off", Mr Pilditch
The trial was expected to last a week.
