The trial of a man accused of killing his mother pleads guilty to fraud as his trial begins in the WA Supreme Court

A former crypto currency trader accused of killing his mother has pleaded guilty to fraud in the WA Supreme Court.

Andre Zachary Rebelo is on trial for the murder of his mother Colleen Rebelo, 58.

Ms Rebelo’s body was found in her Bicton home by police, in Perth’s southwest in May 2020.

Her son was charged with her murder, as well as forging a number of documents in an attempt to defraud.

Mr Rebelo pleaded guilty to the fraud charges but has maintained his innocence in relation to his mother’s alleged murder.

A jury will now be asked to determine if Mr Rebelo murdered his mother in a trial that is expected to take about seven weeks.

Justice Bruno Fiannaca said despite Mr Rebelo’s plea, the forgery charges were related to the murder and would be an issue during the trial as evidence was heard.

He said while there was no longer a need for a trial in relation to the counts of fraud, it would assist the court to have all the charges contained in the original indictment.

State prosecutor Brett Tooker is expected to begin his opening statement on Thursday.

The trial continues.