Murder accused Taione Senikaucava has pleaded not guilty to allegedly killing his wife.

Senikaucava is accused of murdering his wife during a heated argument at Veisari in December last year before allegedly driving her body to the Totogo Police Station.

He entered his plea after the prosecution informed the High Court that it would not agree to reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter.

The accused also applied to withdraw from representation by Legal Aid, telling the court he had not been visited by his lawyer at the remand centre and had deferred giving instructions.

Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu acknowledged Senikaucava’s concerns and directed Legal Aid counsel to visit him in remand so proper instructions could be obtained.

The court also heard that a notice of alibi had been filed in February this year, although the State said there were no related documents on its file.

The matter has been adjourned until August 14 to allow the defence to make further representations before the case proceeds.