Murder accused sent Christmas card, court hears

A Christmas card believed to be from murder accused Malcolm Alan Francis to the woman he allegedly killed was found in a rubbish bag at her address, a Wellington jury was told today.

The card, found sodden amongst food scraps, was signed "From Malcolm with love" and wished Wathanak Tea a happy holiday and a special year, Detective Michael McCarthy told the High Court.

Francis, 53, an invalid beneficiary of Porirua, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Tea, 37, sometime between December 26 and December 29, 2001.

The body of Cambodian-born Ms Tea has never been found.

Francis, who had previously lived with Ms Tea, reported her missing and went with police to her Johnsonville home on January 19, 2002.

Scientists later found evidence of extensive blood splattering around her bedroom walls and an attempt to wipe the walls.

The mattress was also blood-stained.

Francis's palm print was found in faint blood staining on the room's door frame.

Mr McCarthy told the court other Christmas cards were found at Ms Tea's address. Some were addressed to her from friends, while one was to 'Malcolm and friend'.

He said that three or four days after the initial visit by police on January 19, a homicide inquiry was started.

The trial before Justice France is expected to last three weeks.

- NZPA