Truck driver in court over barmaid's murder

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 53-year-old truck driver appeared in court this morning charged with the murder and sexual violation of Christchurch barmaid Tracey Lee Morris.

Keith Donald Bonner is accused of killing the 46-year-old Papanui woman between January 3 and 4. He also faces one charge of sexually violating her over the same period.

Her body was found slumped in the back seat of a car near Christchurch International Airport by a jogger last Friday morning.

While police continue to piece together the mum-of-one's last moments, Bonner appeared in the dock at Christchurch District Court accused of killing her last week.

Bonner, of Ilam in Christchurch, was remanded in custody without plea until his next appearance at the city's men's prison on January 25.

Defence counsel Craig Ruane appeared for the man on behalf of his lawyer Liz Bulger, who is currently out of the country.

Judge David Saunders said: "Mr Bonner, your counsel will be Ms Bulger who is away from New Zealand at the moment but will be available for your instruction.''

No application for name suppression was made.

Bonner nodded to the judge before he was taken back into custody.

Ms Morris leaves behind a 17-year-old son and a family "in shock'', said Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas who is leading the case.

She said there was "an association'' between the victim and her alleged killer.

Ms Morris was last sighted at Phoenix bar in Papanui on Tuesday 3 January, where she worked as a barmaid and often also frequented the bar as a patron.

A police team has been interviewing her family, friends and associates to confirm her movements prior to her death.

Forensic experts were also working on the crime scene today, Ms Le Bas said.

Notices had been pinned up at the bar where Ms Morris worked, asking for the public to come forward with any information they might have on what happened after she left the pub on Tuesday afternoon.