By David Estcourt and Adam Cooper
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following story contains an image of a deceased person.
A man accused of killing his former partner has been committed to stand trial after pleading not guilty to a charge of murder.
James Fairhall, 44, appeared from prison via video link for a brief hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of murdering mother of three Noeline Dalzell.
He also pleaded not guilty to a series of lesser charges including assault and threats to kill.
Mr Fairhall's case has been brought forward and he will appear in the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on August 11. He did not apply for bail.
Police allege Mr Fairhall stabbed Ms Dalzell, 49, at her Seaford home on the afternoon of February 4, while their children were present.
Neighbours saw her bleeding in the driveway and she died at the scene.
Noeline Dalzell.
It is not yet known when Mr Fairhall's trial will be held. Jury trials are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Dalzell was laid to rest on Valentine’s Day and her death prompted an outpouring of grief at her funeral and online.
The former VCAT worker had two daughters and a son.
"She was a protector of those children, she was like a lioness," her sister-in-law Jenny Dalzell told The Age last month.
"The way she coped ... was just to protect her children the best way that she knew how."
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or beyondblue 1300 224 636.
With Erin Pearson