Man to face Pickering murder charged

Malcolm George Chaston will face a murder charge in Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Chaston, 40, charged with a series of sex offences and abduction last week, now faces a charge of murdering Vanessa Pickering, 3 News reported tonight.

Chaston was identified by police last week as being a person of interest in the inquiry into the disappearance of Ms Pickering, whose body was later discovered on Godley Head near Christchurch.

He was brought to court on Thursday charged with assault with intent to commit sexual violation, sexual violation, unlawful detention, and assault on a child.

- NZPA