Tourist's body returns home

Karen Aim

The body of the Scottish backpacker murdered in New Zealand was due back in Britain last night. Karen Aim, 26, was killed as she made her way home from a night out in Taupo on January 17.

Her family said she was due to arrive in London yesterday about 6am local time (7pm NZT).

Her body was then to be flown to Scotland and taken by ferry to her home on Orkney.

Karen's funeral will be held at the island's East Mainland Church on Tuesday, and Taupo will hold a memorial service for the backpacker.

Her father Brian has thanked the Taupo community for raising funds so Karen's friend Alan Robertson could accompany her body and set up a memorial fund in her name.

- NZPA