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Rajwinder Singh faces court in Cairns over death of Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley

Rajwinder Singh, 38, appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court for the first time via video link. (Supplied: Queensland Police via AAP)

The man accused of murdering Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley near a beach north of Cairns more than four years ago has faced court.

Rajwinder Singh, 38, was flown into Cairns from Melbourne yesterday after being extradited from India this week.

Queensland detectives charged Mr Singh with one count of murder yesterday afternoon.

Mr Singh appeared by video link in the Cairns Magistrates Court this morning from the city's watch house.

He wore a white T-shirt during his brief appearance and spoke only to say "yes, madam", when Magistrate Cathy McLennan asked him if he could hear.

Magistrate McLennan ordered the prosecution hand over its brief of evidence to Mr Singh's lawyers by April 14.

Rajwinder Singh's lawyer Derek Perkins outside Cairns Magistrate's Court. (ABC News: Kristy Sexton-McGrath)

Mr Singh was remanded in custody and his case will return to court on April 28, a date on which his appearance has been excused.

The accused's lawyer Derek Perkins said the dates were agreed by consent with the prosecution.

Outside court after the hearing, Mr Perkins said he would not comment on Mr Singh or the case.

"Mr Singh is innocent until proven guilty – that's all I've got to say," Mr Perkins said.

Police allege Ms Cordingley, 24, was killed almost four-and-a-half years ago near Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, where she had gone to walk her dog.

Roy and Zatch Fuller were outside Cairns Magistrates Court to show their support for Toyah Cordingley's family. (ABC News: Brendan Mounter)

Supporters of Ms Cordingley's family gathered outside the court holding signs.

Her father began a search for her when she did not return home and discovered her body the next morning.

Mr Singh has maintained his innocence and has told several media outlets in India that he did not murder Ms Cordingley.

He was arrested in Delhi in November.

Mr Singh had been working as a nurse in the Far North Queensland town of Innisfail at the time of Ms Cordingley's death and was living with his wife and three children.

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