James Stedman Roberts, 34, entered no plea in the Christchurch District Court on the charge of murdering his stepson Leon Jayet-Cole, 5.

Leon Jayet-Cole's stepfather has been charged with murdering the 5-year-old autistic boy.

James Stedman Roberts, 34, entered no plea at the brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, where he was charged with the murder of Leon in Papanui, Christchurch, last week.

Roberts recently married Leon's mother, Emma Roberts (previously known as Emere leFleming Jayet). He had effectively been Leon's father throughout his life, a family friend said earlier.

Supplied Leon Jayet-Cole, 5, was taken to Christchurch Hospital last Wednesday about 1.30pm with serious head injuries. He had earlier spent the day at school and arrived home at his usual time about noon.

Police arrested Roberts on Tuesday, the fifth day of an investigation into the boy's death.

Judge Tony Couch remanded Roberts, a labourer, in custody until a High Court pre-trial call-over on June 19.

Kerry Cook, who appeared as defence counsel, said Roberts would not apply for bail and did not seek name suppression.

Judge Couch said the police had opposed media applications to film and photograph Roberts at his court appearance, because it might affect their continuing investigation. He refused photography "at this early stage".

Leon was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and died two days later in hospital. His funeral was to be held on Wednesday afternoon.