Steven Seach death: Roger Melville pleads not guilty to alleged community housing murder

A man has revealed he will contest allegations he murdered another man at a boarding house in Melbourne’s inner east.

A Melbourne man has revealed he will fight allegations he murdered another man at a community housing property in the city’s inner east.

Steven Seach, 54, was located with critical injuries at Romana Home on A’Beckett St in Kew about 10am on January 23.

Despite efforts from emergency services he died at the scene.

Roger Melville, 55, was charged with murder two days later after a short stint in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Steven Seach resided at the community living facility before his death. Picture: Supplied.

Police will allege Mr Seach was killed about 10am. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

At the time police said it was believed the two men were known to each other.

According to charge sheets, the alleged incident occurred five days before Mr Melville’s 55th birthday.

He returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, asking for his case to be fast-tracked to the Victorian Supreme Court for trial.

This was approved by Magistrate Leon Fluxman, allowing Mr Melville to skip a committal hearing — where evidence is called before a magistrate decides if the case should proceed to trial.

At the time police alleged the two men were known to each other. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

“I understand this is proceeding today by fast-track,” Mr Fluxman said.

“He will just elect to stand trial.”

When asked how he wanted to plead, Mr Melville responded “not guilty”.

He will next appear in the Melbourne Supreme Court on July 24.

Originally published as Steven Seach death: Roger Melville pleads not guilty to alleged community housing murder