James French: 24yo accused of drug associate Johnny Birch’s murder to remain behind bars on remand

An alleged murderer who was found by police sleeping in a car in Sydney’s northwest has fronted court for the first time.

Johnny Birch, identified as a man found dead at Glenorie. Another man, James French, has been charged with murder.

An alleged murderer who was found by police sleeping in a car in Sydney’s northwest will remain behind bars on remand.

James French eluded police for nine days until heavily armed tactical officers surrounded a vehicle in a paddock in Glenorie, where he had been sleeping about 2pm on Sunday.

The 24-year-old did not appear on screen at Parramatta Local Court on Monday after he was charged with murder at Castle Hill Police Station.

His lawyer told the court his client would not be making a bail application and instead asked for the brief of evidence to be served by May 19.

Magistrate Emma Manea ultimately adjourned the matter to May 22.

Johnny Birch, 40, was found dead in a shallow grace at Glenorie.

French was wanted over the death of 40-year-old drug trade associate Johnny Birch, whose body was found partially covered with a tarpaulin in the same suburb on March 14.

Superintendent Naomi Moore said on Sunday that the arrest came after days of searching for French, including a lengthy lockdown of Middle Dural on Friday as well as a search in Glenorie on Saturday.

The area in Glenorie where police had been told the suspect was seen. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

“We located him in a vehicle, sleeping on the property,” Supt Moore said.

“I think it’s fair to say he’s probably a bit tired right now, probably hasn’t eaten a lot.

“He’s in reasonable spirits. We’re giving him some food … and when he’s ready, we will offer him an opportunity to be spoken to.”

Police discovered Birch’s body after his family reported him missing the night before.

Officers went to a home in Gleness Place, where relatives said he was believed to have gone the night he disappeared, and found the body in a nearby paddock.

While a post-mortem examination of Birch’s body was inconclusive, Supt Moore said there was evidence he died from a “blunt force injury”.

Police will allege that Birch and French were known to each other through the drug trade.

Supt Moore thanked the Glenorie community for their patience while police carried out their investigation, saying there was “no doubt (they were) in fear while they waited for us to do our jobs”.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]