An alleged hitman has told a woman he loves her and to "stay strong" as he was led out of court in handcuffs.
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Jason Paul Hawkins, 46, wore a prison-issued jumper in the Queanbeyan Local Court dock on Tuesday after being charged with the murder of Stacey Klimovitch.
NSW Police allege the Canberra man gunned the 61-year-old grandmother down "execution-style" in the doorway of her Newcastle home on June 9.
The Chisholm resident is accused of doing so at the behest of Ms Klimovitch's former son-in-law, Stuart Daniel Campbell, who has also been charged with murder after he allegedly "orchestrated" the killing.
Both accused men have been in custody since they were arrested on Friday, following nearly six months of investigations by Strike Force Backhouse detectives.
He was led into Queanbeyan Local Court on Tuesday and seated in the dock with his hands cuffed in front of his body.
A pregnant supporter in the public gallery waved to the 46-year-old as he entered, flanked by officers from Corrective Services NSW.
After a whispered conversation with Mr Hawkins, duty lawyer Kim Bolas told the court she had been instructed not to apply for bail.
She said Mr Hawkins intended to make an application once the matter made its way to Newcastle Local Court.
Magistrate David O'Connor formally refused bail, noting Mr Hawkins had "a lengthy criminal history" that included non-compliance with court orders.
The court heard the Canberran was also the subject of two outstanding warrants in Queensland.
As he was being taken away by guards, Mr Hawkins told the woman who had come to support him: "I love you. Look after the baby. I love you. Stay strong, sweetie."
The matter has been listed before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
Mr Campbell, who did not apply for bail when his case was first mentioned in that city on the weekend, has been remanded in custody until January 27.
Neither he nor Mr Hawkins have entered a plea.
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