A man charged with the first-degree murder of his estranged wife made a brief appearance in Corner Brook provincial court this afternoon.

Fifty-year-old Dean Penney was in the courtroom for about five minutes while lawyers hashed out next steps before Judge Kymil Howe.

Penney was arrested on Friday for the murder of Jennifer Hillier-Penney, who disappeared from St. Anthony more than seven years ago.

Police said Saturday she was murdered by Dean Penney but no remains have been found.

St. John’s defence lawyer Rosellen Sullivan appeared by telephone from St. John’s on behalf of the accused today, while Kate Ashton represented the Crown.

Sullivan said she has yet to receive any of the disclosure, or the evidence against her client.

Two more names were also added to the list of people Dean Penney cannot contact as the case moves forward.

He consented to remain in custody until the matter is called again on Friday.