The lawyer for a man accused of murdering a young Chinese student and dumping her body in waters off the Central Coast, says his client will plead not guilty.
27-year-old Derek Barrett’s defence lawyer, Bill Whitby, made the statement outside Burwood Local Court this morning, where the case was up for mention.
Police allege Mr Barrett stabbed his niece Mengmei Leng to death at Campsie on the ANZAC Day long weekend, while his wife was away.
The 25-year-old’s naked body was found floating inside a blowhole at Snapper Point on Sunday 24th of April.
Her family flew in from China for the court hearing, along with several Chinese media crews.
Mr Barrett’s case will return to court on June 29.
Michelle Leng's family arrive at court, having flown in from China. Derek Barrett charged with her murder. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/PwWRONeGEL
— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) May 3, 2016
