Schoolgirl murder-accused in court

Gary and Tina Bayliss say their family is devastated at the loss of their 'beautiful daughter' Jade, aged 13. Photo / Supplied

A 34-year-old labourer appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of 13-year-old Christchurch schoolgirl Jade Bayliss.

The teenager's body was found in a burning house in Barrington St in the suburb of Somerfield last Thursday afternoon while she was home, off sick from school.

Jeremy McLaughlin, of the Waltham area of Christchurch, appeared at a Christchurch District Court session at the city's Mens' Prison this morning to face the murder charge, as well as arson and burglary.

McLaughlin was already in custody after being remanded on Friday on a charge of criminal harassment relating to an earlier, separate incident.

He was remanded in custody without plea until November 29 while duty solicitor Margaret Sewell applies for legal aid.

Judge David Saunders told the impassive McLaughlin in the dock: "As you're well aware, these are very serious allegations and your remand will be in custody until November 29 and no bail application is made, and would've been opposed anyway.''

A 40-year-old man also appeared in court charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Andrew Bailey, defence counsel for the man, also from Christchurch, applied for interim name suppression.

It was rejected by Judge Saunders but Mr Bailey immediately appealed the decision and had until 4pm today to lodge it at the High Court.

In the meantime, his identity will be protected.

Bail was opposed and he was remanded in custody until November 27.

Police continue to investigate the death of Jade, while her parents, Gary and Tina Bayliss, have asked for privacy while they grieve the loss of their "beautiful daughter.''