A MAN has appeared in court in Australia charged with the murder of a former Whalley pub barmaid.

Ty Ronald Delavale denied strangling his girlfriend Anya Campbell between July 27 and August 1 when he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court via videolink from nearby Hakea Prison.

Ms Campbell, 24, worked behind the bar at the Whalley Arms, King Street, for seven months last year while travelling around the UK with her sister. But she she returned to her home town in Perth last Christmas after her mother, Dee Campbell, became ill.

She was found dead in the early hours of August 1 after police broke in to Mr Delavale's home in the northern Perth suburb of Carine.

Delavale, 25, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, who was found dead in the bathroom.

Police allege the autopsy report showed Ms Campbell had injuries to her neck consistent with strangulation as well as head injuries, fractured ribs, a chipped tooth and a mouth injury.

It will be alleged that Delavale hit her on the head and choked her.

Magistrate Giuseppe Cicchini committed Mr Delavale to the Supreme Court where he will enter a plea later this month.

He was remanded in custody.

Friends said Anya had been due to open her own nail salon on her return to Australia.

After arriving in the UK with her sister Sinead, 28, she had initally stayed with relatives in Whalley, before moving into accommodation at the Whalley Arms.

A memorial service was held at Whalley Methodist Church, where those who knew Anya were paid their final respects.

This was followed by an Australian night at the Whalley Arms where all the money raised was sent to her family.