Milward charged with Sophie’s murder

BENJAMIN James Milward has been charged with the murder of French student Sophie Collombet.

The 25-year-old was also chaged with deprivation of liberty and robbery.

Earlier, it was reported: 'YEAH, yeah - you got me'.

These were the alleged words of French student Sophie Collombet's accused killer after sharp-eyed Coffs Harbour detectives stopped him on the streets of the NSW coastal town and asked his identity yesterday afternoon.

Benjamin James Milward, 25, today faced an extradition hearing at Coffs Harbour Local Court.

He was formally refused bail and released into the custody of three Queensland detectives who were driving him straight to Brisbane where he will face court tomorrow.

In court documents, Coffs Harbour detective Lindsay Schubert stated that he and colleague Stephen Vout were heading along Harbour Drive about 2.40pm on Monday when they saw Milward walking east.

Police have released CCTV footage of Sophie Collombet leaving a bus at the Cultural Centre Bus Stop from the night she was murdered.

Det Schubert said they asked Milward: "Are you Ben?"

Milward allegedly replied: "Yeah, yeah - you got me. Was it the internet?"

Det Schubert said Milward was arrested and participated in a short interview before being taken to Coffs Harbour police station.

Milward's mother earlier today visited the site where Sophie's body was found.

Diane Milward placed flowers under the rotunda where the naked body of Ms Collombet, 21, was found on March 28.

"I am heartbroken," Ms Milward, 50, said.

"I am still in shock, just can't believe it ... It's like a nightmare.

"We are all so sorry and sad and it shouldn't happen to anybody - and a beautiful girl like Sophie she's just gorgeous - it's just wrong," she said.

Ms Milward said she came to pay her respect to the 21-year-old.

Arriving with her sister-in-law Tere Douglas the pair read letters left to honour the student at the rotunda.

"We're going to stand by him, he is still my son," she said.

"You just don't think this could ever happen - I'm still in denial I think just hoping for some glimmer of hope that it's all a big mistake.

The pair said they would be in court tomorrow.

They will also join a walk for the student on Thursday.

Earlier it was reported: THE man police want for questioning over the death of French student Sophie Collombet is on his way back to Queensland after being extradited from NSW.

Benjamin James Milward, 25, was being driven to Brisbane by Queensland detectives after a brief extradition hearing in Coffs Harbour.

Milward was arrested in the northern NSW coastal town on Monday after local detectives spotted him in a supermarket and nabbed him.

Detectives from Brisbane travelled to Coffs to apply to have him extradited.

Milward did not appear in the dock of Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Magistrate Robert Walker released him into the custody of three Queensland detectives and he will face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Earlier, The Courier-Mail reported detectives have arrested a man wanted for questioning over the bashing murder of French student Sophie Collombet after he was seen walking down a street in NSW.

Benjamin James Milward, 25, was last night being held in custody and under questioning by Queensland detectives who travelled to Coffs Harbour to speak to him.

He was arrested on a murder warrant and detectives were expected to seek an extradition order in court today.

Ms Collombet was walking home from her class at university when she was bashed to death near the William Jolly Bridge about 9pm on March 27. Her body was found naked about 6am the next day.

A week after her body was found police released Milward's name and photograph and said they wanted to speak to him.

Police released CCTV images placing Milward at nearby train stations just over two hours after Sophie was last seen.

He was arrested by NSW detectives after he was seen walking along Harbour Drive.

Last night Ms Collombet's family had been informed about the arrest but were cautious about speaking.

They were being kept well informed by detectives in Brisbane via a liaison officer.

"At the moment I think he is a suspect so we will wait for more official things to happen," Sophie's father, Guy Collombet, said.

He again praised police for the work they had done and was amazed at how quickly things had happened.

Ms Collombet's friend Roselyne Trott last night told The Courier-Mail: "We can only hope ... there will be something done about it for Sophie's sake."

Another friend, who asked to be known only as Emi, said: "I just hope ... they find the murderer."

Milward's aunty Tere Douglas last night said the family did not have relatives in Coffs Harbour.

Ms Douglas said Milward was expected to apply for legal aid.

"We're glad that he has been found," she said. "It is a relief."

Milward's mother Diane had earlier pleaded for him to hand himself in.

"We love you Ben, please come home," she told The Courier-Mail.

Queensland Police released a statement last night saying a man was "assisting police".

"A 25-year-old man is in custody in relation to the murder of 21-year-old Sophie Louise Collombet at South Brisbane last month," it read.

Milward is expected to appear in court in Coffs Harbour today.

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