A 34-man-year-old man charged with murdering remote area nurse Gayle Woodford has been remanded in custody after facing court in Port Augusta.

Dudley Davey of Mimili faced court charged with murder, the theft of Ms Woodford’s ambulance and illegal use of a motor vehicle.

Mrs Woodford’s body was found in a shallow grave near Fregon in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia’s far north on Saturday.

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She went missing overnight last Wednesday, prompting a large-scale search.

Davey stood in the dock wearing a black t-shirt and black pants.

Defence lawyer Nick Thomson asked the court to suppress his client’s identity, saying he was fearful of retribution.

“There are obviously issues with the community, Your Honour, community members and community elders,” he said.

“There are issues with potential inmates in prison as well.

“My issue is with the scrutiny we see here today behind me, Your Honour, I don’t wish to have my client’s name published any further than it already has.

“The more people find out, he’s facing potential retribution from community elders, potentially retribution from people in prison.

“The less people that know that the better my client is.”

The application was not supported by police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Wendy Priestley, who told the court it was a matter of public interest.

“This is a name that is widely known already throughout the APY Lands and various communities,” Senior Sergeant Priestley told the court.

“There is public interest in open justice and the media are entitled to report on this matter.

“Where he sits he’s not likely to be prejudiced by the ongoing investigation.”

Magistrate Clive Kitchin declined to make the suppression order and said Davey’s safety in custody was a matter for the Department of Correctional Services.

Davey did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

He is due to face court again in June, with an answer charge date set for July.