NSW cold case murder suspect behind bars

A NSW man is behind bars, accused of raping and murdering a Sydney woman before setting her flat alight more than 25 years ago.

The man, who cannot be identified, allegedly entered 66-year-old Doris Fenbow's Little Bay home in the early hours of September 3, 1988 - a week shy of his 18th birthday.

The accused, now 43, appeared briefly via video-link before a closed Central Local Court on Tuesday and did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.

Court papers allege the man had sexual intercourse with Ms Fenbow without her consent sometime between 3am and 4am on the day of her death.

He allegedly killed her within the hour and set fire to the furnishings in her flat.

Police say despite an extensive investigation and a 1989 inquest, the case went cold.

But officers from the Unsolved Homicide Team reopened the case and the 43-year-old was last week charged at Newcastle Police Station with sexual assault and murder.

He is also facing a charge of intentionally or recklessly destroying property with the intention of endangering Ms Fenbow's life.

The man will next appear in court on July 29.