THE alleged killer of Stephanie Scott has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of the popular Leeton high school teacher.
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The fresh charges were laid in Griffith Local Court this morning during a brief appearance by the alleged murderer, Vincent Stanford, who appeared by video link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre.
The grim-faced parents of Ms Scott sat in the public gallery, flanked by Detective Sergeant Tim Clark and a victim support officer.
Stanford, balding and wearing a green prison tracksuit, said nothing during the six-minute mention.
He stared at the screen, with his eyes flicking from left to right.
Ms Scott's father glanced occasionally at the screen.
Stanford is alleged to have sexually assaulted Ms Scott on April 5, before murdering her.
Earlier
School cleaner Vincent Stanford has been charged with sexually assaulting bride-to-be Stephanie Scott before he allegedly killed her at Leeton in April.
Police charged the 24-year-old on Wednesday with one count of aggravated sexual assault and inflicting actual bodily harm on Ms Scott who was days away from marrying the love of her life.
Mr Stanford is expected to face Griffith Local Court on Thursday via video link.
The body of the popular school teacher was recovered from bushland north of Griffith five days after she was allegedly killed by Mr Stanford.
Ms Scott, 26, had gone to Leeton High School to prepare lessons for a relief teacher who would look after her students while she was on her planned honeymoon.
She was to be married to her partner of five years, Aaron Leeson-Woolley, in front of 100 guests that coming Saturday.
Police will allege Mr Stanford had aggravated sexual intercourse with Ms Scott without her consent sometime between 1.40pm and 2pm on April 5.
Mr Stanford was charged with Ms Scott's murder after police allegedly found blood and a photographic evidence of what appeared to be burnt remains.
Fairfax Media understands Mr Stanford has refused to talk to police since his arrest but his mother and brother have been assisting detectives.
Mr Stanford's employers at Colin Joss & Co cleaning division said Mr Stanford was not supposed to be working that day but were still trying to clarify whether he had keys to the school.
Police found Ms Scott's red Mazda dumped in a field at Wamoon, near Leeton, a few days after her disappearance and just hours before they officially charged the cleaner with one count of murder.
Mr Stanford was taken from Leeton police station to Griffith police station but he did not appear before court.
His matter was briefly mentioned before magistrate Kate Thompson and he was formally refused bail.
Emma Partridge, smh.com.au
