Dansie to face new murder trial in October

Peter Rex Dansie, who is accused of murdering his wheelchair-bound wife, will go on trial for a second time in October.

Dansie's first trial was aborted on Thursday after defence counsel argued that his right to remain silent had been compromised.

He'll now face a new three-week, judge-alone trial in the South Australian Supreme Court from October 14.

Helen Dansie, 66, drowned after her wheelchair toppled into a pond in the Adelaide parklands in 2017.

Prosecutors allege her 70-year-old husband pushed her into the water.

As the prosecution case neared its end on Thursday, defence counsel Greg Mead SC raised issues with two comments Justice David Peek made during the trial related to whether the accused would decline to testify.

Mr Mead argued Dansie had been left with the "strong impression" it was going to hurt his case if he didn't give evidence.

"He has a right to remain silent and, with respect, the comments of Your Honour have a tendency to undermine that right," he told the court.

"No amount of reassurance from Your Honour can cure the impression that has been left."

Justice Peek said he had certainly not come to any view as to the outcome of the trial and did not accept that Dansie's right not to give evidence had been impacted.

"I do not accept that Mr Dansie has in any way been denied his right to not give evidence or had the right impinged upon," the judge said.

Justice Peek said his "strong inclination" was to continue with the case.

But he said as the prosecution did not oppose the mistrial application, he felt he had no choice but to agree to the defence request.