Older brother pleads guilty to murder of Alex Fisher

Alex Fisher, left and his older brother Eric McIsaac, who pleaded guilty to the boy's murder.

The older brother of Alex Fisher, the 10-year-old boy, whose disappearance last year sparked a huge manhunt, has pleaded guilty to his murder.

Eric Baden McIsaac, 26, appeared in the High Court at Palmerston North this morning charged with murdering Alex.

Alex's body was found on Waitarere Beach, near Levin, on October 8 two days after he was reported missing.

During the search, police released CCTV footage showing Alex and McIsaac together in a local store on October 5.

Court documents show Alex was allegedly murdered by McIsaac either that night or the next day.

McIsaac was also charged with unlawful possession of a knife in a public place and burglary.

The burglary charge alleges McIsaac unlawfully entered a property on Park Ave, Waitarere Beach, between late September and early October.

McIsaac and Alex Fisher.

He also pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and unlawful possession of a knife in a public place.

He pleaded guilty to entering a Park Ave Waitarere Beach without authority and intent to commit an imprisionable offence in that building.

McIsaac was remanded in custody until July.

Justice Joe Williams praised Alex's family for the courage they had shown: "I understand this is a very difficult time for you...I salute your courage."

Alex's mother cried throughout the proceeding.

In a statement Police noted the guilty pleas entered by McIsaac in court today, but said they would be making no comment until the conclusion of the court process at sentencing.

"Police would however like to reiterate the wishes of Alex Fisher's family that they are not to be approached by media. They would like their privacy to be respected while they continue to grieve for the loss of Alex."