Truck driver back in court over barmaid's death

The scene at Grays Rd, near Christchurch airport, where a woman's body was found in the back seat of a car. Photo / APNZ

A Christchurch truck driver accused of murdering city barmaid Tracey Morris was back in court this morning.

Keith Bonner, 53, has been charged with the murder and sexual violation of Ms Morris, of Papanui, between January 3 and 4 this year.

Her body was found in the back of an abandoned car near Christchurch International Airport on January 6.

Bonner, of Ilam, Christchurch, made a brief appearance at a Christchurch District Court hearing inside the men's prison today.

Judge Jane Farish remanded him in custody until a post-committal conference in March.

Defence counsel Elizabeth Bulger made no application for bail and Bonner simply nodded as he was led back into custody.