Man charged with murder of British backpacker
A 26-year-old man has appeared in court in New Zealand charged with the murder of missing British backpacker Grace Millane.
Police investigating the disappearance of the 22-year-old from Essex found a body on the outskirts of Auckland on Sunday, which they believe to be the university graduate.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern apologised to Ms Millane’s family, saying: "From the Kiwis I have spoken to there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality…especially to those who are visiting our shores.
"On behalf of New Zealand, I would like to apologise to Grace’s family. Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn’t and I’m sorry for that."
The suspect, who has not yet been named, did not enter a plea. He has been remanded in custody until January 23. His lawyer has appealed a ruling that he can be named, saying his client would not get a fair trial.
Ms Millane went missing on her birthday last week, a fortnight after she arrived in New Zealand. She had previously spent six weeks travelling around Peru on an organised tour.
Det Insp Beard said the body was found about 10 metres off Scenic Drive, a country road outside the city.
Ms Millane’s father had earlier flown out to New Zealand to help with the search for his daughter. Police announced on Saturday that she was ‘no longer alive’ after reviewing CCTV footage and examining a hotel where she was last seen.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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