Piper's killer helped police find body

Ainsley Brent Anderson has pleaded guilty to the murder of Raymond 'Son' Piper, inset. Photos / NZPA, Supplied

A man who today admitted murdering Kapiti man Raymond Piper helped police recover his victim's body.

Mr Piper, 23, was last seen on May 15 when he disappeared from the home of his former partner, Hanna Lark, in Eatwell Avenue, Paraparaumu. His body was found at the weekend.

Ainsley Brent Anderson, 51, pleaded guilty to Mr Piper's murder when he appeared in Porirua District Court this morning, and was remanded in custody to reappear for sentencing in the High Court at Wellington on November 26.

Anderson was originally charged with being a party to the murder of Mr Piper, but the charge was amended today. Last month, Mr Anderson's 17-year-old son, Louie Anderson, was also charged with being a party to the murder.

Susan Bragger, 44, of Paraparaumu and Sean Hawke, 50, of Tauranga - Ms Lark's mother and uncle - also face charges of intent to cause grievous bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Piper between May 15 and June 8.

Outside court today, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, the officer in charge of the investigation, said Anderson had expressed remorse for the murder and had been the person who led police to Mr Piper's body.

"Through his lawyer, an approach was made that he wanted to take sole responsibility for Raymond Piper's murder."

Mr Oxnam said he could not say what Anderson had told police about the murder as the case was still before the courts, but he expected the details would come out eventually.

He said he could not comment on how Anderson's plea would affect the charges the three others faced.

Mr Piper's family and friends have made strong protests against the accused in previous court appearances.

His family was not in court for Anderson's guilty plea today, although Mr Oxnam said they were aware of the admission and appreciated it.

"The reason they're not here today is that Raymond's body is at their home, and that's their sole focus."

- NZPA