Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in Sydney bushland

A man who allegedly murdered a mother whose body was found in bushland in Sydney’s west has appeared in court for the first time.

A man charged with murder after a woman’s body was found in bushland in Sydney’s west at the weekend has appeared in court.

The body of mother Leanne Akrap, 47, was found by a passer-by in bushland on Irwin St in Werrington about 1.15pm on Sunday.

Bryan Steven Johnson, 47, was arrested at a home on Powell St in Hobartville about 6pm on Monday.

He was taken to Windsor Police Station, where he was charged with murder.

The man’s matter was mentioned briefly at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday.

Mr Johnson did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.

He will remain in custody on remand until he next appears in court on August 15.

Leanne Akrap has been identified as the woman found dead in bushland at Werrington in Sydney’s west. Picture: Supplied

Police believe the woman’s body had been in the scrub for “a period of time” and was surrounded by clothes and other items.

“The area of the reserve in question is quite isolated. It appears the body has been there for a period of time,” Detective Superintendent Trent King said on Sunday.

A man has been charged with murder. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Police established a crime scene alongside local detectives and began an investigation under Strike Force Dowerin.

A crime scene was also set up at Ms Akrap’s nearby home, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Police believe the woman’s body had been there for a ’period of time’. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Originally published as Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in Sydney bushland