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The lawyer for a man accused of murdering a deaf Christchurch woman says there is little prospect of his client getting a fair trial as his life becomes a hot topic of public discussion.
David Bunce has raised the prospect of seeking a stay of proceedings for Liam James Reid, 35, who is accused of suffocating 20-year-old Emma Agnew and concealing her body in scrub north of Christchurch.
The case has sparked rampant discussion about Reid on internet messageboards and in some media, prompting attention from Solicitor-General David Collins, QC.
Dr Collins' office has confirmed it is considering contempt-of-court proceedings.
Reid faced a torrent of abuse when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, which Mr Bunce described as a "disgraceful performance".
"No steps had been taken to prevent this sort of outburst. [Reid] was brought in, people were shouting abuse at him.
"He was incapable of responding to that in any way," Mr Bunce said.
"He was about the only person who behaved with any dignity in that courtroom at all."
The "fiasco" in court, widely publicised, had already prejudiced his client "and it's not getting any better".
The chances of Reid getting a fair trial "are receding hourly, it seems".
"It's making it impossible for any jury pool to be untainted by this, no matter where the trial was held."
Mr Bunce said there was nothing he could do to stop the discussion in forums like the internet.
"Except when the thing gets out of control, to apply for a stay of proceedings on the grounds that the man cannot possibly get a fair trial."
Reid was born Julian Heath Edgecombe, but has changed his name.
He was adopted by his grandparents, Albert and Josephine Edgecombe, at 4, but he was sent away at 15 when he began to play up. He has moved around the country since then.
He is believed to have children in the South Island.
A funeral service for Ms Agnew will be held on Monday at Burnside High School in Christchurch.
