Christchurch murder accused appears in court

Vanessa Pickering's body was found on Friday. Photo / Supplied

Malcolm George Chaston has made a 30-second appearance in Christchurch District Court to be charged with the murder of Vanessa Anne Pickering and was remanded in custody to February 23.

The 40-year-old freezing worker had already been remanded in custody to that date on charges he faced last Thursday of assault with intent to commit sexual violation, sexual violation, unlawful detention, and assault on a child.

David Ruth appeared as defence counsel today and sought the week's remand.

Ms Pickering's body was found by police searching at Godley Head, on Banks Peninsula, a few days after her disappearance on Monday last week.

Chaston's name was initially suppressed on the original charges at the request of the defence but the order was lifted on Monday when an appeal was dismissed in the High Court.

No further order was sought today.

- NZPA