Naden charged with murder

of cousin, Lateesha Nolan

FORMER Dubbo abattoir worker, Malcolm Naden, who gained notoriety as a bush fugitive in more than six years on the run, has been charged with the murder of his cousin Lateesha Nolan.

Naden, 38, was told of the fresh charges during a video court appearance at Central Local Court in Sydney this morning (Tuesday), Sydney media report.

Naden had previously been charged with the 2005 murder of Kristy Scholes and two counts of aggravated indecent assault on a 12-year-old girl.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of a police officer at Nowendoc on December 7, 2011.

The fresh charges come just months after Naden was captured on March 22 in a remote area near Gloucester in the Upper Hunter region, following an extensive police hunt.

He had been on the run from police since the death of 24-year-old Ms Scholes

Ms Nolan disappeared after dropping two of her children off at her grandparents’ home in west Dubbo and her body has not been found.

Speaking outside court, state Homicide Squad Commander, Michael Willing, said police believed they had enough evidence to lay the fresh charge.

“In relation to Lateesha’s body we will continue to investigate the matter and if there is sufficient evidence to locate it we will certainly follow it,” Detective-Superintendent Willing told journalists.

Naden, who appeared via audio visual link from Long Bay prison with a shaved head, has yet to enter a plea.

His lawyer Mark Ierace, SC, said he was not well enough to do so.

“There is a concern as to his mental health,” Mr Ierace told the court, adding that Naden was having difficulty with his medication.

The matter has been adjourned until October 16.