A MAN accused of causing a hit-and-run that killed New Zealand helicopter pilot and firefighter Ian Pullen has pleaded not guilty and will face a trial in Newcastle District Court.
Joshua Knight, initially charged with murder over Mr Pullen's death near Singleton in 2018, appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday via audio visual link from Parklea Correctional Centre where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
Mr Knight, 30, will next appear in Newcastle District Court next month to get a trial date.
Mr Pullen was found dead by the side of Carrington Street at Glenridding about 5.30am on September 29, 2018.
The 43-year-old had a day earlier arrived in the Hunter Valley to assist the NSW Rural Fire Service prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.
Initially treated as a hit-and-run, the mystery prompted a two-year investigation involving multiple appeals for information and a $350,000 reward.
In October last year, after receiving an anonymous tip-off, Strike Force Awabakil detectives arrested and charged Mr Knight and Nicole Mason, 30, with Mr Pullen's murder.
Police allege that Mr Knight had been driving a white Toyota HiLux utility that struck Mr Pullen in the early hours of the morning before leaving the scene.
Detectives allege the vehicle returned a short time later and Ms Mason got out with the intention of "finishing the job", striking Mr Pullen in the head with an object. But in July, prosecutors were forced to withdraw the murder charges against Mr Knight and Ms Mason when an autopsy revealed Mr Pullen would have died from the initial impact of the car.
Ms Mason has been charged with attempted murder, with prosecutors alleging she had the intent to kill Mr Pullen despite the injuries that would have already claimed his life.
She has also been charged with two counts of concealing a serious indictable offence and has not entered any pleas. Her matter was adjourned until November 24. Another woman, Lilli-Jane Kaye Sales, pleaded not guilty to two counts of concealing a serious indictable offence on Wednesday.
