Cold case: Darren John Chalmers charged with 1992 murder of Annette Steward

A man accused of strangling Geelong woman Annette Steward to death in her bedroom more than 30 years ago can be named for the first time.

A man accused of murdering Geelong woman Annette Steward more than three decades ago has fronted court for the first time.

Darren Chalmers, 55, faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday after homicide squad detectives charged him with the mother’s murder last week.

Mr Chalmers, who appeared via video link from prison, was wearing black glasses and only spoke to confirm he could hear the court.

The 55-year-old was brought to Melbourne from Western Australia before he was charged with the cold case murder on Tuesday.

Ms Steward was strangled in her bedroom and found dead in her Hope St home in Geelong West on March 18, 1992.

It is alleged Mr Chalmers killed her two days earlier on March 16, according to a charge sheet released by the court.

Geelong mum Annette Steward was murdered in 1992.

Her death sent shockwaves through the Geelong community.

The mother-of-two, who worked at the Point Henry ammunition factory, was regarded as a caring and trusting person.

Homicide squad detectives have in recent years made significant headway in the investigation, culminating in the extradition.

Victoria Police in 2015 posted a $1m reward for information which could solve the 29-year-old’s killing.

The court heard Mr Chalmers had no custody management issues.

Magistrate Guillaume Bailin said the prosecution has six weeks to hand over its brief of evidence to his defence lawyers.

Mr Chalmers was remanded in custody and will return to court on June 13 for a committal case conference.