Man admits sexual violation, murder

Vanessa Pickering. Photo / Simon Baker

Malcolm George Chaston has admitted the murder of Christchurch woman Vanessa Anne Pickering, whose body was found down a bank near Godley Head a year ago.

The 41-year-old freezing worker today pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to commit sexual violation against a second woman, as his trial was due to begin in the High Court at Christchurch.

With the guilty plea, the suppression was lifted on the fact that Chaston had pleaded guilty to murder on November 19. He also pleaded guilty to a further charge of sexual violation relating to a third person.

The suppression order on those guilty pleas had been put in place to protect Chaston's right to a fair trial on the remaining charge.

Crown prosecutor Brent Stanaway said the crown would seek an open-ended jail sentence of preventive detention for Chaston, and asked that it be considered at the sentencing on April 18. He said the necessary psychiatric reports would consider any continuing risk posed by Chaston.

Two health assessors' reports will be prepared but Justice Robert Dobson indicated that the sentencing might have to be adjourned if the reports were not ready in time. He spoke about the families' concerns about delays but said the court was being asked to consider the most serious sentencing responsibility it had.

No facts about the case have been read in court. A summary of facts is still being discussed by the crown prosecutor and defence counsel Craig Ruane and it will be provided to the court when it is finalised.

Questioned by Justice Dobson, Mr Ruane said it was agreed that Chaston had previous convictions that qualified him for a preventive detention sentence to be considered.

Miss Pickering, 27, went missing from her Christchurch home one night last February. She was known to Chaston, having worked with him at a meat-packing plant that day.

Two days later, Chaston was captured by police using road spikes to stop his car at Cheviot, North Canterbury. He was driving a car that was being sought in connection with Miss Pickering's disappearance.

Miss Pickering's body was found down a hillside at Godley Head on February 11. According to the murder charge faced by Chaston, she had been stabbed.

- NZPA