Man arrested over Canberra stabbing of NZ woman

SYDNEY - A 22-year-old Canberra man has been arrested by police in Australia over the death of a New Zealand-born woman who was stabbed 57 times.

Nanette Porritt, a 50-year-old mother of three, was found stabbed to death in the bedroom of her Chapman home on December 21 last year.

Police would not reveal the identity of the charged man.

The ACT Coroner's Court has been hearing an inquest into Mrs Porritt's death and has been told DNA tests of material found under her fingernails and an analysis of footprints found in her home are being undertaken.

Several family friends have told the inquest they suspected Mrs Porritt's 22-year-old son, Glen, but police have said Glen Porritt is not a suspect in the case.

They have, however, described him as a "significant witness" to his mother's death.

Police told the inquest in July the material recovered from Mrs Porritt's fingernails most likely belonged to her son.

Police expect to charge the man they have arrested before he faces the ACT Magistrates Court today.

- AAP