Murder charge in backpacker case

Karen Aim was discovered lying in the street with serious head injuries

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a female British backpacker in New Zealand.

Karen Aim, 26, from Orkney, was murdered on her way home from a night out in the resort town of Taupo, on North Island, on 17 January.

Ms Aim, who had been working in a glass blowing gallery, was found with head injuries and died in hospital.

Ms Aim's father, Brian Aim, 51, said relatives were "very glad" that police had charged someone.

While it is a great comfort, that is overruled by the fact that it will not bring Karen back Brian Aim Karen Aim's father

Speaking from the family home in Orkney, he said: "It is a comfort to know somebody has been charged, but of course they are innocent until proven guilty.

"While it is a great comfort, that is overruled by the fact that it will not bring Karen back."

The youth was arrested early in the inquiry but police said at the time his detention was not linked to the murder.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said: "Taupo police have arrested a youth domiciled in Auckland and charged him with the murder and aggravated robbery of Karen Aim at Taupo on 17 January.

"The youth is also charged with intentional damage relating to damage to a local high school."

The suspect, who cannot be identified, appeared in court in nearby Rotorua.

'Welcome news'

A court spokeswoman said the youth was remanded in custody. The case is expected to come back to court on 15 April.

On Orkney, councillor Andrew Drever told BBC Scotland: "I think it's very welcome news.

"The people of Orkney and Taupo will be pleased it's moved forward and someone has been arrested and taken to court.

"The Aim family will welcome the news, it will maybe give them a start in the healing process."

CCTV showed Ms Aim at a service station about half an hour before she was discovered lying in the street near a school.

Second visit

Police said the arrest in the Operation Waikato murder inquiry was made as other crimes in Taupo were investigated.

The boy was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated robbery after an incident on 5 January.

Six windows were smashed at Taupo Nui-A-Tia College at about the time Ms Aim was attacked.

Ms Aim had been visiting New Zealand for a second time, following a three-month trip in 2006.

She was buried in Holm, Orkney, after a funeral at East Mainland Parish Church on 29 January.