Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in bath in North Parramatta

A man charged with murdering a 19-year-old woman whose body was found in a bath in a western Sydney apartment has not applied for bail.

Meraj Zafar, 20, did not appear in person or via video link in Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday when his matter was mentioned for the first time before magistrate Shane McAnulty.

Police allege Zafar murdered Armina Hayat between Saturday and Sunday at North Parramatta, according to court documents.

His lawyer Mohamad Sakr told the magistrate there would be no application for bail on Tuesday but perhaps later on "in due course".

Outside court, Sakr confirmed his client and Hayat had been in a relationship.

"He's distraught about being in custody, it's just a matter of whether he wishes to fight these charges or not," Sakr said outside.

Police found the woman's body in the bathroom with hazardous chemicals on Sunday afternoon after forcing their way into the unit.