A magistrate has dismissed a rape charge against a man accused of murdering two women nearly 50 years ago, citing insufficient evidence.

Perry Kouroumblis has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court on two murder charges related to the January 1977 killings on Easey Street.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet concluded that there was enough evidence to proceed with a jury trial for the murder charges, which are the most serious allegations.

However, Sonnet determined that the evidence was inadequate to uphold the rape charge, especially since a homicide detective testified that Armstrong appeared to have been raped after her death.

Former detective Adrian Donehue, one of the first responders in 1977, testified in October that the scene suggested a post-mortem rape based on the victim’s position.

Prosecutors argued to keep the pre-death rape charge for a jury’s consideration, but the defense contended that the evidence was not sufficient to support the charge.

Sonnet agreed and struck out the rape charge.

Kouroumblis will remain in custody and returns to the Supreme Court on December 17 for a directions hearing.