Tamworth murder: Richard George Sands' case adjourned in court for more discussions after deadly Hillvue housefire in October 2019

Richard George Sands has remained behind bars since his arrest nearly two years ago.

The housefire in Hillvue left two people dead and two others injured.

Sands did not appear in Tamworth Local Court when his case was called this week, but lawyers told the court the matter was not ready to progress and asked for an adjournment.

Other discussions needed to be had as the Crown waited on a specialist report, DPP solicitor Cat McKay said.

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Magistrate Julie Soars asked Ms McKay if the delays related to Sands' "fitness".

"Your Honour fitness, and possible offences," Ms McKay replied.

The court heard prosecution and defence lawyers had not yet held a case conference to talk through issues in the murder case.

Ms McKay said there needed to be further discussions about Sands' alleged offences before the case could progress.

Sands is accused of murdering two people and attempting to murder another woman and another young child when he allegedly set fire to a home in Hillvue just before dawn on October 17, 2019.

Ms Soars reinforced a non-publication order in court, meaning some details in the case cannot be reported for legal reasons, including the identities of those killed in the fire or the survivors.

Sands is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent; and destroying or damaging property with the intent to endanger life.

He has not yet been required to enter pleas to the charges.

Ms McKay indicated the case could be ready for committal at the next court date in three weeks.

It's expected pleas to the serious charges will be entered then.

She told the court she anticipated a case conference would be held beforehand.

Ms Soars ordered Sands to appear in court via video link from custody for his next court date, if the case was ready for committal.

Detectives allege Sands deliberately set fire to the home, killing a woman, whose body was found in the front bedroom, and a young child, whose remains were found at the back of the house.

The second woman and child survived the fire and were rushed to hospital for burns.

Sands was arrested shortly after the fire and has remained bail refused since.

He made no application for bail and it was formally refused.

Ms Soars adjourned the case until June.

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