Daniel James Holdom, 41, appeared via video link at Maitland Local Court on Thursday after he was arrested and charged on Wednesday night at Cessnock over her 2008 death.
Holdom, who was dressed in matching shirt and trousers and had shortly-cropped hair, said little during his brief appearance. At the start of the hearing the man's lawyer told the court: "He does not wish to actually appear." Magistrate John Chicken responded: "Given the nature of the charge ... I think it's appropriate he be brought on screen."
The matter was then put on hold for about 10 minutes before the accused appeared via video link. He did not apply for bail and it was refused by Magistrate Chicken.
Holdom will next appear in Sydney's Central Local Court on November 12. "You'll actually be at Central rather than Maitland," Magistrate Chicken said.
"Yes, your honour," Holdom responded. The body of Ms Pearce-Stevenson was discovered in August 2010 in Belanglo State Forest. Police believe she was murdered some time between December 14 and December 15, 2008.
Inquires are continuing into the murder of her two-year-old daughter Khandalyce Pearce, whose remains were found in July dumped on the side of a highway more than 1000km away in South Australia.
It is believed Khandalyce was killed after her mother and that both deaths occurred in different places.
Holdom has not been charged on any matter in relation to Khandalyce.
The court appearance came after police on Tuesday revealed Ms Pearce-Stevenson's identity, bank account and mobile phone were used for years after her death to mislead family and defraud social services.
