Falconio's girlfriend set to testify

Outback kidnap victim Joanne Lees will fly to Australia early next year to give evidence against the man charged with murdering her boyfriend, Peter Falconio.

Police in Darwin today formally charged mechanic and truck driver Bradley John Murdoch, 45, with the murder of the British tourist more than two years ago.

Murdoch said nothing during a brief appearance in a Darwin court after being extradited from South Australia. He was arrested there outside court following his acquittal in an unrelated rape case on Monday.

He is charged with the murder of Mr Falconio and the deprivation of liberty and assault of Ms Lees. The magistrate requested a committal hearing be set as soon as possible, probably in the New Year. He was remanded in custody.

It is alleged Murdoch shot Mr Falconio in July 2001 after he and Ms Lees were flagged down on the Stuart Highway, north of Alice Springs.