The Newcastle man accused of murdering an alleged burglar who broke into his house will be represented by two of the nation’s top lawyers.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the high-profile murder case has been taken on by Winston Terracini SC and barrister Brian Murray. They visited 33-year-old Benjamin Batterham at Cessnock Correctional Centre yesterday.

Mr Batterham, an apprentice chef, is alleged to have murdered Ricky Slater-Dickson after he found him in his Hamilton home about 3.30am on March 26.

Mr Slater-Dickson, 34, died in John Hunter hospital the next day after his family chose to switch off his life support.

The Newcastle Herald reported last week that Mr Batterham would remain in custody until at least May 25 after his legal representation declined to apply for bail on his behalf in Newcastle Local Court.

But Mr Terracini SC has said the Batterham family was in the process of organising a surety. The top Sydney lawyer said he was also arranging for a forensic pathologist to look at the post-mortem examination of Mr Slater-Dickson.

Mr Batterham reportedly chased Mr Slater-Dickson outside where the pair fought.

He is believed to have suffered a number of injuries, including bite marks to his body, before his friend who was visiting from Queensland helped him restrain Mr Slater-Dickson until police arrived to the scene.

Mr Batterham will reportedly argue that he acted in self-defence and was protecting his family and property.

– with other agencies