A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, Nikkita Azzopardi, whose body was discovered at her home in South Morang, Melbourne, on October 28, 2024. Following a welfare check by her family, the tragic news prompted a police investigation, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend, 33-year-old Micallef, the following day. Initially, Micallef could not attend his first court appearance due to hospitalisation but later joined via video link for his second hearing.
During the court session at Melbourne Magistrates Court, Magistrate Leon Fluxman stated that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial in the Supreme Court. When asked about his plea regarding the single charge, Micallef’s initial response was inaudible, prompting the magistrate to instruct him to speak closer to the camera. After repeating himself, Micallef firmly declared, “Not guilty.” He has been remanded in custody and is set for a directions hearing at the Supreme Court on March 21.