His solicitor, Peter Woodhouse, told the court Christopher David Navin would plead not guilty.

More than 20 people attended the 9am hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court, which was moved from its usual Saturday location at the Children’s Court to accommodate the crowd.

Navin stood as the charges were read but did not speak at the hearing.

The probe into Mr Sofer-Schreiber’s stabbing death spanned seven weeks and took detectives almost 900 kilometres from his Hall Street unit, near Lyneham shops, to a property in Grafton, in northern NSW.

Their investigations culminated with a major breakthrough on Friday, when they arrested the man accused of inflicting multiple stab wounds on Mr Sofer-Schreiber.

It is understood Navin and Mr Sofer-Schreiber were acquainted. Previously, Detective Superintendent of Criminal Investigations, Paul Shakeshaft, said the arrest was the result of an intensive police investigation.

“We’ve had a dedicated team working this investigation, with support from multiple areas of ACT Policing, the wider AFP and members of the public. For the detectives working this case, it has been intensive and exhaustive at times, I thank you for your commitment and dedication,” Detective Superintendent Paul Shakeshaft said.

“For the friends and family of Mr Sofer-Schreiber, we are sorry for your loss, which we know you deal with every day however hope this arrest gives you some peace of mind.”

Mr Sofer-Schreiber was found dead by friends on Saturday, December 28.

Navin is due back in court on April 24.