Murder accused committed for trial

A friend holds a photo of Vanessa Pickering after her funeral. Photo / Simon Baker

Murder accused Malcolm George Chaston has been sent for trial after a post-committal conference at the Christchurch court house today.

July 2 is the date set for a pre-trial conference in the High Court for the 40-year-old New Brighton man, who has been in custody since his arrest for the murder of Vanessa Pickering in February.

Chaston, who was a freezing worker, also faces charges of assault with intent to commit sexual violation, sexual violation, unlawful detention, and assault on a child.

His case was dealt with today without a court appearance. Defence counsel and the crown were advised of the date that had been set after a judge's consideration of the file of evidence.

The body of Miss Pickering, 27, was found by police searching at Godley Head, on Banks Peninsula, a few days after her disappearance.

Court documents indicated she had been stabbed.

- NZPA