Keith Lees court mention on murder charge over 1997 death of Meaghan Louise Rose

The man accused of the 1997 murder of Meaghan Louise Rose has had his charges mentioned in a Queensland court for the first time following his extradition from NSW.

Keith Lees arrives at Brisbane airport after being extradited from Sydney in relation to the alleged cold case murder of Meaghan Louise Rose. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

The man extradited and charged with the historic murder of his former partner on the Sunshine Coast has had his case mentioned for the first time in a Queensland court.

Keith Lees, 72, was arrested at a property in Dural, in Sydney’s north west, last week over the alleged cold case murder of Meaghan Louise Rose more than 27 years ago.

Ms Rose, 25, was found dead at the base of the Point Cartwright cliffs in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997.

Her death was originally ruled a suicide, before the case was re-examined by cold case police in 2022.

Meaghan Louise Rose was located deceased at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba in July, 1997. Picture: Qld Police

Lees was extradited to Queensland this week after he was allegedly found living under a fake identity in New South Wales.

Court documents allege Lees used the name David Japaljarri on a NSW learner’s licence, pensioner concession card, Commonwealth bank debit card and bank account and his NSW opal pensioner card, also claiming he was 16 years younger than his real age.

On Friday, Lees’s matter was briefly mentioned in Brisbane’s Arrest Court and adjourned to Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 24.

Lees made no appearance but was represented by Legal Aid lawyer Zane Playle, who said he had taken a Legal Aid application for him.

Lees was remanded to appear on Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 24, and will be required to appear over video link on that date.

Originally published as Keith Lees court mention on murder charge over 1997 death of Meaghan Louise Rose