Drifter denies hostel murders

A homeless fruit picker today pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges linked to a devastating blaze that ripped through an Australian backpackers’ hostel, killing 15 tourists nearly two years ago.

Dressed in a blue shirt, grey slacks and brown shoes, Robert Long, 38, stared straight ahead as some of the 40-plus prospective jurors filed past him at Brisbane Supreme Court.