Thousands raised for slain woman's daughter

JOELLE DALLY | 24th March 2010

A trust set up for the seven-year-old daughter of murdered woman Vanessa Pickering has raised about $7000 so far.

The Little T Appeal Trust was set up following the discovery of Miss Pickering's body at Godley Head on February 11.

Her daughter had been found wandering alone and distraught in a paddock near Kaiapoi two days earlier.

Freezing worker Malcolm George Chaston, 40, has been charged with murdering Miss Pickering, 27, on or about February 8.

He is also charged with assault with intent to commit sexual violation, and separate counts of abduction, assault and sexual violation of a child.

Chaston is in custody awaiting a post-committal conference next month.

Police investigating the murder of prostitute Mellory Manning are also waiting to speak to Chaston.

He is a former partner of the 27-year-old, whose badly beaten and stabbed body was discovered in the Avon River on December 19, 2008.

Police had spoken to Chaston already as part of the Manning investigation but at the time he was discounted as a suspect.

Detective Inspector Greg Williams said they would speak to Chaston again "at some point in the future", but would not be drawn on when.

People wanting to donate to the fund for Miss Pickering's daughter can contact Malley and Co Lawyers on 379 0712 or go to any BNZ branch.