NSW murder suspect stays behind bars

A man accused of murdering a woman whose body was found at a NSW reserve will remain in custody after a brief court appearance.

The body of 38-year-old aged care worker Renee Mitchell was discovered by a passer-by at Bangalay Reserve in Windale near Lake Macquarie early Wednesday morning.

About five hours later, 66-year-old local Graham Anthony George Sloane was stopped by police while driving in nearby Cardiff.

He was arrested and later charged with murder.

Sloane did not apply for bail during a brief appearance at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday and it was formally refused.

He is due to return to court in January.