Family members of Christchurch woman Renee Duckmanton yelled abuse and had to be restrained as the man accused of her murder appeared in Christchurch District court this morning.
Police have released the latest known image of Renee Duckmanton. Photo: Supplied / Police
Within moments of the 31-year-old man's appearance, Ms Duckmanton's aunt Sue McGrath and a man screamed and yelled abuse at him, with police and court security forced to restrain them both. The court was then cleared.
The accused was taken from court and reappeared a few minutes later, with members of the public not allowed back in for the appearance.
The man was granted name suppression and will appear in the High Court in Christchurch next month.
The body of Ms Duckmanton, who was 22, was found on Main Rakaia Road on 15 May.
She had last been seen in the Manchester Street / Peterborough Street area in Christchurch the night before.
Police announced last night a man had been arrested and charged with her murder.
Renee Duckmanton's aunty Sue McGrath and her 9-year-old sister Madison outside Christchurch District Court. Photo: RNZ/ Belinda McCammon
Outside court, Ms McGrath said the family had been broken by her niece's death and she had just wanted to get her hands on the accused in court.
She said the family had been relieved to hear of the arrest.
"Just relief. Becasue you can't do this to another lady - a working lady or anyone," she said.
Police said the last known image of Ms Duckmanton, taken from CCTV footage, showed her walking on Petersborough Street shortly after 9pm on the Saturday night.
