Trial for Wedge Island NYE party death

A man accused of fatally stabbing a 20-year-old man during a fight at a New Year's Eve beach party on Wedge Island, north of Perth, will face a trial in May.

Joseph Robert Houston appeared in the West Australian Supreme Court on Monday via video link from prison on the charge of murdering James Dorloff.

Justice John McKechnie confirmed that Houston would face a 10-day trial on May 4.

He said it was unfortunate an earlier trial date could not be set due to the court's heavy workload.

Houston will appear in court again on February 5 for a status conference.