Richard George Sands to stand trial on murder charges after deadly 2019 housefire in Hillvue, Tamworth

Richard George Sands made a rare appearance in Tamworth Local Court via video link on Wednesday, from where he is being held in custody in Long Bay prison.

The court heard his serious charges were ready to progress after lawyers on both sides met to discuss issues during a case conference late last week.

Sands is set to stand trial in the NSW Supreme Court after magistrate Julie Soars heard he would be denying the six allegations against him, which relate to the deadly housefire in Hillvue in October 2019.

Defence solicitor Joanne Harris appeared in court via video link from Sydney, and told Ms Soars her client wanted to head to trial on all allegations.

"Not guilty to all six charges, Your Honour," she said.

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Sands pleaded not guilty to two counts each of murder and attempted murder; as well as causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent; and destroying or damaging property with the intent to endanger life.

The court heard the last two charges would be certified in the alternative, and appear on Sands' indictment.

Four other charges had already been withdrawn by the prosecution.

Sands is accused of deliberately lighting a fire which ripped through a Hillvue home in the early hours of October 17, 2019.

Police allege Sands set fire to the home with the intent to murder the four occupants inside at the time.

The housefire claimed the lives of a woman and a child, while two others were injured in the blaze, including one who suffered critical burns.

Sands will formally enter pleas to the charges in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney when he is arraigned later this year.

Some details of the case cannot be reported for legal reasons, including the identities of those who died in the blaze.

Ms Soars reminded media present in court on Wednesday of the strict non-publication order before she dealt with the case.

"Mr Sands' matter is for arraignment in the Supreme Court of NSW," Ms Soars said, confirming an August date for his first appearance in the higher court.

No application for bail was made and Ms Soars formally refused it.

Detectives allege Sands deliberately set fire to the home in Hillvue, 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.

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

Sands was arrested shortly after the fire almost three years ago and has been behind bars since.

The case has been plagued by delays while lawyers ordered specialist medical reports, discussed the serious charges and arranged a case conference.

The court was told last month that Sands had been found "fit" by medical experts to stand trial, and has now been committed to the NSW Supreme Court.

The case was adjourned.

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