HALIFAX -- The case of a Halifax man accused in the death of an off-duty police officer will return to court early next year.

Christopher Calvin Garnier appeared via video link for a brief hearing in provincial court where dates were set for his next proceeding.

He is charged with second-degree murder and indecently interfering with a dead body in connection with the death of 36-year-old Catherine Campbell in September.

Defence lawyer Joel Pink says he has received all of the disclosure and will return to court on Jan. 12 to set dates for a preliminary hearing.

Campbell's body was discovered just after midnight on Sept. 16 near an overpass that leads to the Macdonald Bridge connecting Halifax and Dartmouth.

Campbell was reported missing two days earlier when she didn't show up for work with the Truro Police Service.