The man accused of the abduction and murder of missing schoolboy Daniel Morcombe will defend charges against him, his lawyer says.
The 41-year-old truck driver made a brief appearance in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning where his matter was adjourned until September 29.
GALLERY: The disappearance of Daniel Morcombe
Magistrate Brendan Butler demanded the man appear before him after hearing he was still in the watchhouse cells. His laywer had said he did not need him to be brought in.
Wearing a prison-issued brown tracksuit top and jeans, the accused sat in the prisoner's dock, his eyes cast downwards.
His shoulder-length hair was matted and partly covered his face.
After the appearance the man's lawyer, Tim Meehan, told media outside court his client would defend the charges.
Mr Meehan said he held instructions to make a bail application in the Supreme Court.
The man cannot apply for bail in the Magistrates Court.
He cannot be named because he is charged with a sex offence.
Email a friend