Bhanu Kirkman, accused of murdering mum Kristie Powell, to see forensic psychiatrist before next court appearance

The man accused of murdering a new mum while her five-month-old baby slept nearby will undergo a mental health exam before facing court.

The man accused of brutally killing his former co-worker while her newborn baby slept metres away will see a forensic psychiatrist before his next court appearance.

Bhanu Kirkman, 29, allegedly murdered new mum Kristie Powell in her Bellambi home, an hour south of Sydney, just before midnight on October 4.

Her battered body was found by a friend an hour later with extensive injuries to her head and upper body.

Murdered mum Kristie Powell. Picture: Facebook

Her then five-month-old son Slater was found sleeping in his crib nearby, unharmed.

Mr Kirkman did not appear in Wollongong Local Court today and had his case adjourned to February 27.

The court heard Mr Kirkman would see a forensic psychiatrist in early February and that report would form part of the case.

Bhanu Kirkman in the back of a NSW Police van as he's taken to court after his arrest. Picture: Seven News

Three days after Ms Powell was found in her Bellambi home, police found Mr Kirkman near Maitland railway station, in the Hunter Region. He was arrested and charged with her murder.

Friends of Ms Powell’s mourned the beloved dog foster carer on social media and remembered her as a “beautiful soul”.

A GoFundMe page set up for Slater, Ms Powell’s child, exceeded its $10,000 goal in less than a day.

Kristie Powell was found dead near her newborn. Picture: Facebook

“To give him the life and all of the opportunities he deserves and that Kristie always wanted, we felt it was fitting to raise some funds to hopefully make the next few weeks, months or years smoother,” her friend Kristy Corrigan wrote.

“So he can have new clothes when he needs, nutritious food, an abundance of books, good education and the best medical care available.”

It’s understood Slater will live with Ms Powell’s brother Ryan, his wife Michelle and their children.

After the new mum’s death, Michelle took to Facebook to post a photo of Slater sleeping, writing: “You are loved, you are safe, we are blessed.

“He is a dream who is eating, sleeping and smiling. Having him with us has helped at this really horrible time.”

Ms Powell’s Facebook page had documented the emotional road to having Slater.

In one post, Ms Powell said she had searched for 22 years for a partner to have children with, but gave up and decided to try for her “very own perfect little prince”.

“So after 22 years of dating & meeting many many many suitors that didn’t suit I’m excited to announce that I’m now making my very own perfect little prince who will love me & stay with me forever … (who) is due to join the world in a few months time,” she wrote.

“I can’t thank my beautiful family & friends enough for their ongoing loving & encouraging support! I wouldn’t be able to do this without you!”