The accused murderer charged with the death of missing Cranebrook woman Cheryl Ardler has briefly faced court.
Dennis French appeared before Penrith Local Court via videolink last Friday and his matter was adjourned for several weeks to allow a meeting between his lawyer and the Crown.
French, 39, is alleged to have killed Ms Ardler, 41, on or about December 12, 2012 before dumping her body in bushland. Ms Ardler was last seen on Greenhalg Road, Cranebrook in early December 2012.
But her family’s worst fears were realised six years later when investigators discovered her remains near Laycock Street in the same suburb in 2018.
French was charged with her murder on April 12 this year when he appeared before Penrith Local Court on an unrelated matter.
He will ultimately be committed to the District Court or Supreme Court for trial or sentence depending on how he pleads.
His is due to re-appear on January 24.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.