Accused faces sex count

The man charged with the murder of 73-year-old West Coast woman Mya Sollis has now been charged with her sexual violation as well.

The new charge was mentioned at a pre-depositions conference in the Christchurch District Court yesterday.

Peter Douglas Carrington, aged 32, a cleaner, was remanded in custody by Judge Patricia Costigan for a depositions hearing in the Greymouth District Court at the end of next month.

Mrs Sollis' body was found on Punakaiki Beach on January 16. She had gone to the beach the day before to collect driftwood.