Murdered prostitute identified

A man reappeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday charged with the murder of a 48-year-old Thai sex worker.

The accused, a 47-year-old computer programmer, was granted continued name suppression, but his alleged victim was revealed as Nuttidar Vaikaew.

Her body was found on May 12 at a house in Warwick St in Western Springs, where she worked as a prostitute.

Police believe that Miss Vaikaew, also known to her clients as "Sky", was killed on April 17.

Defence counsel Nicholas Wintour said the accused was at a high risk of committing suicide, and releasing his name would increase that risk. But Judge Anne Kiernan said it was necessary to name the woman so police could continue their inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Jason McIntosh said later that police would like to speak with anyone who was a client of Miss Vaikaew during April, particularly immediately before her death.

All information would be treated as confidential.

The accused is scheduled to appear again in court next Wednesday.

- NZPA