The man accused of murdering Cecilia Haddad has appeared in court.

Man accused of murdering former Perth woman Cecilia Haddad in court

Staff Writers7News

The man accused of murdering Sydney woman Cecilia Haddad has appeared briefly in court in Brazil.

Marselo Santoro answered questions from his defence team only.

He told the court his trip home to Rio - around the time her body was found - was planned.

He claimed he'd organised a family holiday with Cecilia Haddad, his parents and children in July 2017 - but returned to Rio earlier because his father was sick.

The mining executive, who previously lived in Perth, was strangled in April last year.

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