Channel Seven crime reporter Cassie Zervos was at Ballarat Magistrate Court this afternoon and revealed when the former footballer son’s next court appearance will be.

She revealed the scenes in court were emotional and described what the man accused of murdering Samantha Murphy looked like.

“The court room was packed, every seat in that room was full with journalists and members of the public who had been out searching for Samantha for the past five weeks,”  she told Jacqui Felgate.

Press PLAY to hear what happened in court this afternoon

The mayor of Ballarat says the community is standing behind Samantha Murphy and her family after it was revealed a 22 year-old had been charged with her alleged murder.

Des Hudson says he’s proud of his community and all the volunteers from around the nation.

“Unfortunately today, we’ve received the devastating news … we can only begin to imagine the pain her family is feeling today,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear his full comments

Image: Google Maps Street view.