10 Jun 2016

Murder accused abused: 'You took my baby'

10:40 am on 10 June 2016

The mother of killed Christchurch woman Renee Duckmanton broke down in tears as the man accused of murdering her daughter appeared in court this morning.

Police have released the latest known image of Renee Duckmanton.

Police have released the latest known image of Renee Duckmanton. Photo: Supplied / Police

The 22-year-old's badly burnt body was found near Rakaia last month.

She was last seen the night before in the Manchester Street area of Christchurch, where she was a sex-worker.

The man accused of her murder appeared in the Christchurch High Court today.

Justice Mander continued interim name suppression, and remanded the man in custody until 19 August.

Ms Duckmanton's family members sat in the gallery of the court, and were visibly upset as the defence and crown addressed the judge, mouthing threats at the accused.

As the accused was led from the court, Ms Duckmanton's mother cried 'You took my baby', before breaking down in tears.

The family members had earlier yelled abuse and had to be restrained when the accused first appeared in court late last month.