headline

Man charged with murder of pregnant partner in Sydney almost a decade ago

A man has been charged with the murder of his pregnant partner Hayley McClenahan-Ernst in their western Sydney home nine years ago.

Max Spencer, 30, was arrested by strike force detectives at a property in Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour, at 7.30am today.

The arrest follows a lengthy police investigation and then a coronial inquest into McClenahan-Ernst's suspicious death.

READ MORE: Qantas slashes domestic flights as fuel crisis grips airlines

McClenahan-Ernst was found unresponsive in the couple's Kingswood home just after midnight on Sunday, May 21, 2017 and, despite the efforts of police and paramedics, died at the scene.

Spencer's lawyer told 9News at the time that his client alleged his partner had "fallen over and hit her head".

Last year, the coronial inquest into the young mum's death was suspended as the matter was referred back to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

In October, detectives from the Nepean Police Command reviewed the matter and recommenced investigations.

READ MORE: Woman dies mid-air on Qantas flight to New Zealand

New witnesses were interviewed and, just last month, detectives made a public appeal.

As part of that appeal, McClenahan-Ernst's mother Lisa Ernst made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information to come forward.

"Hayley was deeply loved by our family, and we have never stopped missing her smile, her infectious laugh, and the fierce love she had for her children," she said.

"My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to Hayley."

Spencer has been taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and will appear in court later today for a bail hearing.

NATIONAL: Coalition wants to ban foreigners from home deposit scheme

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.