Schoolgirl's murder-accused in court

Jade Bayliss. Photo / Supplied

The man accused of murdering Christchurch schoolgirl Jade Bayliss appeared in court today.

Jeremy McLaughlin, 34, made a brief appearance at a Christchurch District Court hearing at Rangiora courthouse to face charges of murder, arson, and burglary.

Jade, a Cashmere High School student, was found dead in her burning Barrington Street house on Thursday, November 10.

McLaughlin avoided eye contact with a large number of Jade's extended family who attended the hearing today from the public benches.

They showed no reaction when McLaughlin, a labourer from the Waltham area of Christchurch, entered the dock.

His defence counsel Margaret Sewell's plea for the case to be remanded to a nominal date of January 20, next year, was granted by Judge Alistair Garland.

The judge asked if defence counsel had received disclosure from the police.

But Ms Sewell replied: "I actually haven't received anything at all. Although I have been speaking to the officer in charge, I've received nothing as yet.''