Man to fight charge he murdered woman, 51, found with facial injuries

A man will fight allegations he murdered a 51yo woman whose body was found at a home in an inner-city suburb.

Jo Lo Bianco has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a woman at a home in Northcote last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

A man accused of murdering a woman in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne last year has pleaded not guilty to her murder.

Joe Lo Bianco, 53, was charged with murder after a woman, 51, was found deceased with severe facial injuries at a home in Brickworks Lane, Northcote on November 30.

In a committal mention in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Mr Lo Bianco, who appeared via videolink from prison, entered a formal plea of not guilty before Magistrate Brett Sonnet.

Police at the scene of a home in Northcote, where a woman was allegedly murdered on November 30 last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“Not guilty, Your Honour,” a bearded Mr Lo Bianco, who is being represented by well-known criminal defence barrister Rishi Nathwani, said to Magistrate Sonnet when he was asked to enter a plea on the charge of murder.

Magistrate Sonnet said he was satisfied there was sufficient evidence to commit Mr Lo Bianco to stand trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Mr Lo Bianco will next appear for a directions hearing in the Supreme Court on May 1.

He made no application for bail and was remanded to that date.

Colleagues of the victim attended the court in person.

Originally published as Man to fight charge he murdered woman, 51, found with facial injuries