A psychologist has found Bhanu Kirkman fit to stand trial over the alleged murder of mother-of-one Kristie Powell at Bellambi last October.
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Kirkman's mental state and his fitness to be tried was called into question earlier this year, leading to him being assessed by top Sydney-based forensic psychiatrist Dr Richard Furst.
In Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday, defence lawyer Laura Fennell confirmed Dr Furst had found Kirkman was fit to stand trial.
The 29-year-old, from Thirroul, stands accused of killing Ms Powell inside her home on Lorking Street in Bellambi late on the evening of October 4.
Her body was found by a friend early the following morning.
Officers from Wollongong Police District immediately launched an investigation, supported by detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
A warrant was issued for Kirkman's arrest on outstanding but unrelated charges a few days later and he was named as a person of interest in Ms Powell's death.
Acting on a tip-off, police located Kirkman in a demountable building near Maitland Railway Station about 4pm on October 8.
He was arrested and taken to Maitland police station where he was interview by Wollongong detectives and charged with Ms Powell's murder.
His first court appearance in Maitland was largely non-eventful, however Kirkman surprised onlookers during his second court date on October 17 when he politely asked the magistrate if he could enter a plea before being advised not to say anything further.
Kirkman did not speak when he fronted court again on Wednesday via videolink. The case will return to court at the end of May.