NSW Police charge James French with murder over death of Johnny Birch

A man wanted for murder, following the discovery of a body dumped in a shallow grave, has been arrested after police found him sleeping in a car in Sydney’s northwest.

A man wanted for murder, following the discovery of a body dumped in a shallow grave, has been arrested after police found him sleeping in a car in Sydney’s northwest.

James French, 24, eluded police for nine days until heavily armed tactical officers surrounded a vehicle in a paddock at Glenorie, where they found him dozing about 2pm on Sunday.

He was taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where he was later charged with murder and refused bail to face Parramatta Local Court on Monday.

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

Superintendent Naomi Moore said 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.

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

“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 the body of Birch after his family reported him missing the night before.

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

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.

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

Police said 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.

“There’s been reports of this person camping in backyards,” she said.

“That comes with fear. The community were no doubt in fear while they waited for us to do our jobs ... today is a good day for us to be able to alleviate that fear.”