Vic murder accused to face trial

A man accused of torturing his neighbour and burning her alive will stand trial in his country Victorian town of Wangaratta.

Michael Cardamone, 49, has pleaded not guilty to the January 2016 murder of Whorouly mother Karen Chetcuti, and will face trial from July 31.

Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry ruled on Tuesday the trial should go ahead in Wangaratta after the accused's defence earlier applied to have it moved to Melbourne, citing prejudice.