Carmen murder accused in court

Brad Callaghan as he appeared on the video link in court today. Herald photo / Greg Bowker

The man accused of murdering Auckland woman Carmen Thomas has made a brief appearance in court today.

Brad Callaghan appeared by video-link at the Auckland District Court this morning.

Callaghan is being held at Auckland Central Remand Prison and appeared on a TV in screen in the courtroom.

The hearing was dominated by media applications for in-court coverage.

In an earlier appearance, defence lawyer Stuart Grieve, QC, attempted to prevent Callaghan's image being photographed in court, but that request was thrown out by Judge McElrea.

Today Judge Fleming remanded Callaghan in custody to re-appear in one week's time for a post-commital callover.

Callaghan is charged with murdering Carmen Thomas, 32.

Her remains were discovered in west Auckland's rugged Waitakere Ranges last September after an extensive police search.