Man in court over SA cold case killing

A 45-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the cold-case murder of a 71-year-old woman in Adelaide more than 22 years ago.

Phyllis Harrison was stabbed to death in her Elizabeth South home in March 1998.

The man came before Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday where his identity was suppressed.

He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to return to court next month.

On Thursday, SA Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey said the arrest followed the identification of new evidence and advances in forensic evidence.

In a statement, Ms Harrison's family said they were relieved by the development but it would in no way compensate for their loss.

"Mum was the centre of our world. Not only was she loved by her family, she was loved and respected by the local community as well," they said.