David Bourke. Pic: NZPA

Palmerston North, Oct 21 NZPA - Wanganui freezing worker David Bourke has been formally accused of murdering his brother but was not in court today to hear this and other charges.

Bourke is still undergoing psychological assessment, ordered after his initial court appearance a fortnight ago, Palmerston North District Court was told today.

He was remanded to next appear in Wellington District Court on November 4, subject to the outcome of ongoing treatment in Porirua Hospital.

The body of Bourke's brother Timothy was found under a blanket in a car which was crashed an allegedly abandoned by David Bourke in southern Hawke's Bay on October 4.

He was arrested two days later after a massive police hunt. Other major charges against the 46-year-old are attempted murder, three of aggravated assault with a firearm and two of using a firearm against an enforcement officer.

One of two charges of assault with a weapon was withdrawn today, along with a minor driving offence.