Cape Town - The pre-trial hearing of Guatemalan tourist Diego Dougherty Novella, suspected of murdering his American girlfriend, was postponed to May 15 in the Western Cape High court on Friday.
Novella, accused of killing Garbiela Alban at a Camps Bay hotel, will remain at the Pollsmoor prison hospital wing after Friday’s brief appearance.
The State and the defence had been negotiating over the length of the trial, which has been postponed many times.
After State prosecutor Louise Friester-Sampson and defence attorney William Booth reached an agreement, Judge Nape Dolamo ordered the postponement.
Booth told Weekend Argus, his client was in an “emotional state”.
He said the defence hoped he would be moved to Valkenberg State Psychiatric Hospital.