A Belleville man accused of first-degree murder will be back in court to answer to his charge next month.

Michael Danese, 64, appeared in Belleville remand court via video from the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay for his second court appearance, since he was found at a Plaza Square residence following the murder of a 62-year old woman on March 9.

Defence Counsel Anthony Moustacalis spoke to the matter and asked to have it deferred until April 15 at 10 a.m.

In the meantime, members of the Belleville Police Service Criminal Investigations Division and Forensic Identification Unit are continuing this investigation in partnership with the Coroner’s Office.

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A judicial pre-trial is pending for two Belleville Police officers who face charges of assault causing bodily harm.

Csts. Matthew Sweet and Kyle King were charged by the Special Investigations Unit last month after an incident in September 2020 that resulted in serious injuries to a 28-year old man during the execution of a search warrant on Coleman St.

In an email, Crown Attorney Lee Burgess told InQuinte.ca defence counsel Leo Kinahan spoke on behalf of the officers in Belleville remand court on Thursday and asked for an adjournment of the case in order to set a trial date.

Both officers are currently on administrative duty, but no other details are being released by either the BPS or the SIU, with the case now in front of the courts.