Son charged with murder of mother

A Taranaki man charged with the murder of Stratford celebrant Gwen Blake, 71, has appeared in the New Plymouth District Court today and remanded in custody.

David Blake, 47, was arrested on the weekend following the death of Ms Blake at her Stratford home on Friday night.

His lawyer Paul Keegan confirmed today that David was the biological son of Ms Blake.

Police had earlier said that the man arrested was "known to the victim" but had not confirmed the nature of their relationship.

David Blake is due to re-appear in court on February 20.

A post mortem conducted yesterday revealed that Ms Blake died as a result of a serious assault.

A scene investigation is still underway at the property on Regan St and police say items of interest have been sent for forensic testing.