Teenager appears in court over Taupo tourist murder

Karen Aim had been visiting New Zealand from Scotland.

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View photos of Karen Aim's funeral

Police have charged an Auckland youth with the murder of Scottish tourist Karen Aim.

The teenager appeared in the Rotorua Youth Court about 11.50am and was remanded in custody to a youth justice facility.

Karen Aim, from the Orkney Islands, was brutally attacked near Taupo's Nui-a-Tia College as she walked home from a night out in town in the early hours of Thursday January 17.

The 26-year-old was found with serious head injuries and died in hospital.

The youth charged with Ms Aim's murder was supported by a large crowd of family during his court appearance today.

He faced charges of murder and aggravated robbery.

The youth was also charged with causing grevious bodily harm at the time of the alleged robbery and intentional damage at a local high school.

A pre-depositions hearing will be held on April 15, however the youth's appearance has been excused from the hearing as it will just be a discussion of progress on the case.

Ms Aim's body was flown back to her home in the Orkney Islands late in January, after a 19,000km journey by air and sea from New Zealand.

Her parents Brian and Peggy, and her brother Alan, were joined by about 300 mourners for her funeral service at East Mainland Church.

Memorial services were also held in New Zealand.

- With NZHERALD STAFF/ NZPA