Former Napier City councillor appears in court

The former Napier City councillor accused of murdering his Canadian wife has had his case adjourned until late next month - again.

Peter Beckett was arrested by Royal Canadian Mounted Police on August 12 following a year-long investigation into the death of his wife, Laura Letts-Beckett, who drowned in August last year.

At a Salmon Arms Provincial Court hearing in British Columbia today, Beckett, accused of first degree murder, had his case adjourned until October 25.

He will remain in custody until this date.

At the time of his wife's death, police said the two were on a boat near Shelter Bay Provincial Park when she fell in the water. She was not wearing a life jacket and could not swim.

Beckett has now made three appearances in British Columbia Provincial Court, but has not yet entered a plea.

His last appeared in court was August 30, when the case was adjourned until yesterday.

Letts-Beckett's family issued a short statement through police requesting privacy: ``We believe the investigation is over. As a family, we're waiting for the justice system to take its course.''