Adam Troy Bennett pleads not guilty to the murder of his travel companion in Poochera

A NSW man accused of murdering his travelling companion following an attack at an art gallery near a coastal SA town has pleaded not guilty in court.

A former missing person from NSW accused of murdering his travel companion in a remote South Australian town has pleaded not guilty to the charges in court.

Adam Troy Bennett, 43, of Lake Haven, appeared in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court today, pleading not guilty to the alleged murder of 64-year-old Peter Hillier.

Local police were called to a home at Venus Bay – a small coastal town on the Eyre Peninsula – on May 30, 2022 where they found the body of Mr Hillier inside.

64-year-old Peter Hillier. Picture: Luke Zanker

Initial police reports indicated that Mr Hillier and Mr Bennett had travelled from NSW in a motorhome purchased by Mr Hillier a month before his death and intended on travelling around Australia together.

In a press conference following the alleged murder, Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Superintendent Des Bray identified an art gallery at Poochera, a small town 72 kilometres from Venus Bay, as the likely scene of the alleged attack which allegedly claimed Mr Hillier’s life.

The campervan Peter Hillier intended to take around Australia after their SA stay. Picture: SAPOL

In a statement to The Advertiser earlier this year, Mr Hillier’s daughters Jade Ieru and Erin Hillier described him as a “kind, caring and gentle soul.”

“Our father Peter had a big heart,” they said.

Mr Bennett will face trial at the Adelaide District Court later this year, with the date yet to be determined.