Man admits Avon River murder, rape

A Christchurch man has admitted murdering a prostitute whose body was found in the Avon River with her hands tied, and abducting and raping another woman four days earlier.

Peter Steven Waihape, 28, unemployed, was arraigned at a special High Court sitting in Christchurch yesterday after he appeared in the District Court for a depositions hearing on five charges just three days ago.

He has been remanded in custody.