The man accused of killing missing Sydney woman Samah Baker did not appear in court when his matter was briefly mentioned on Tuesday.
James Hachem's lawyer, Warick Korn, did not apply for bail and it was formally refused. But outside Parramatta Court, the Mr Korn told reporters that he intended to prepare a bail application in the coming weeks.
"It's a murder charge - it is the most serious criminal offence we have - it warrants and it deserves a well-prepared bail application and we'll do that in the weeks to come," he said.
The matter was adjourned until May 16.
The hearing comes as detectives continue the search for Ms Baker's body.
The 30-year-old was last seen by a friend after being dropped at her Parramatta home on Early Street in the early hours of January 4.
Relatives reported the 30-year-old missing later that day after they couldn't get in touch with her.
Local detectives, with help from the homicide squad, launched an immediate investigation, and last week searched bushland at Yarra, southwest of Goulburn.
On Friday, detectives arrested Mr Hachem at a shopping centre in Hurstville and charged him with murder.
The 32-year-old also did not appear when his matter was briefly mentioned at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, in part due to a strike by prison officers.
Ms Baker was last seen by a friend after being dropped at her Parramatta home on Early Street in the early hours of January 4.
According to court documents, Ms Baker was allegedly murdered between 2.30am and 8am on January 4.
Mr Hachem is believed to be an acquaintance of Ms Baker but the nature of their relationship remains unconfirmed by police.
Investigators are now appealing for anyone who saw a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Lancer on Early Street between 1am and 4am on January 4, or along the Hume Highway between 5pm later that day and 5am on January 5.
