A man accused of killing teenager Michelle Bright in NSW's central west more than two decades ago has pleaded not guilty to her murder.
Craig Henry Rumsby, 55, on Friday in the NSW Supreme Court also pleaded not guilty to choking an 18-year-old girl in an attempt to have sexual intercourse without her consent in January 1998 in Gulgong.
Ms Bright was last seen alive when a friend dropped the 17 year old off on Herbert Street in Gulgong after a birthday party on February 27, 1999.
Her body was found three days later in long grass on the side of Barneys Reef Road.
Rumsby who lived nearby to Ms Bright's family was a suspect for several years, police said after they charged him.
When they arrested Rumsby in August 2020 he was so shocked he required medical assistance for heart palpitations.
His trial which may proceed in Mudgee will be set down at a later date.
