Murder accused Yanfei Bao waives right to appear in court

Yanfei Bao’s murder trial in Christchurch was adjourned today due to “logistical issues” involving the accused.

Jurors were called just after noon to hear that Tingjun Cao, 53, said he did not want to be in court at this time.

A Chinese national has pleaded not guilty to murdering a Christchurch estate agent last year.

The 44-year-old mother disappeared on July 19, 2023, and her body was not found for more than a year.

Today was due to be the third day of the case, after the second day was adjourned early for “various reasons”.

Judge Lisa Preston explained: “Mr Cao, like any accused, has the right to attend his trial, however he can waive this right. And again this morning you will notice that Mr. Cao is not in the courtroom and I am satisfied that he does not wish to attend the trial at this time.”

Judge Preston added that the trial could still legally continue in his absence.

“However, should that happen in this case, there are some logistical arrangements that I want to put in place to ensure that Mr. Cao continues to receive a fair trial,” she said.

The rest of today is needed to take these measures.

The judge emphasized: “No negative conclusions can be drawn from Mr. Cao Cao’s absence from the courtroom either yesterday afternoon or today.”

“His absence is, of course, not an admission of guilt and in no way advances the prosecution’s case.”

Judge Preston told the jury she hoped the trial would continue tomorrow.