DANIEL Morcombe's accused murderer is likely to face a jury next year due to his legal team ruling out applying for a judge-only trial - for now.

Brett Peter Cowan's trial was expected to run over six weeks, the Supreme Court heard yesterday, but it was unlikely the high-profile matter would start until next year.

Crown Prosecutor Glen Cash presented the Supreme Court with an indictment yesterday charging Cowan with murder, interfering with a corpse and indecently treating a child under 16.

The court heard Cowan's legal team was unlikely to ask for a judge-only trial.

Lawyers can apply for a judge-alone trial if a case has attracted a lot of publicity and tainted a potential jury pool, or if a case is too complex and burdensome for a jury.

Outside court yesterday, Cowan's lawyer, Tim Meehan, said his client was content for a jury to try him.

"It's not a matter we have fully considered," he said.

The case was adjourned for mention on July 19.