Timothy Loosemore set for trial in Supreme Court after alleged murder of Maree Vermont in Goldie house fire

A British man charged with murder after a house fire in central Victoria last year is set to face trial after entering a plea of not guilty.

Timothy Loosemore, 60 was charged with murder after a fatal house fire in Goldie, near Lancefield on August 5 2023. Picture: Supplied

A British man charged with the murder of a Victorian woman after a fatal house fire will face a trial in the Supreme Court.

Timothy Loosemore, 60, pleaded not guilty to murder and arson after a blaze in the rural town of Goldie, near Lancefield last year.

The body of Goldie mother Maree Vermont, 60, was found by emergency services inside the Mt William Rd property just before midnight on August 5.

Goldie woman Maree Vermont, 60 died in a suspicious house fire in August last year. Picture: Supplied

Mr Loosemore’s matter was heard in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.

He appeared via video link from custody in a green shirt with white hair and a goatee when he was asked to enter his plea to which he replied, “not guilty Your Honour”.

His barrister David Cronin told Magistrate Brett Sonnet neither mental impairment nor fitness would be raised as an issue.

British man Tim Loosemore pleaded not guilty and is set for a Supreme Court trial. Picture: Supplied

Outside of court, Maree Vermont’s family told the Herald Sun the accused man was known to Ms Vermont.

The matter was listed for a directions hearing in the Supreme Court on April 23.

No bail application was made and Mr Loosemore will be remanded in custody until that date.