Judea murder accused remanded

UPDATED 4PM: The 64-year-old Tauranga builder accused of murdering his wife will remain in custody after appearing in Tauranga District Court today.

Rex Leverett John Prole is charged with the murder of 57-year-old Robyn Prole, whose body was found lying on a driveway in Judea last month.  

Tauranga woman Robyn Prole was found dead on a driveway in Bell Street.

A post-mortem showed she died of stab wounds.

Prole appeared in Tauranga District Court today where he was remanded in custody until August 20 pending a psychiatric report.

Police were called to the property around 2pm on Friday, July 20 after receiving reports of a dispute between a man and woman. 

When they arrived they found Robyn’s body lying on a driveway outside a Bell Street residence.

Prole and his wife, also known as Robyn Phipps, are believed to have been separated at the time of her death.