Accused murderer Smail Ayad has been remanded in custody after charges relating to a youth hostel stabbing that left a woman dead and a man fighting for his life were heard in a Townsville court today.

The case was adjourned until October 28.

Ayad is charged with the murder of British woman Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, who was stabbed to death on Tuesday night at a backpacker hostel at Home Hill, south of Townsville.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of British man Tom Jackson, who remains in a critical condition on life support in hospital after being severely wounded while trying to save her.

Mr Jackson’s father arrived from the UK last night to be at his son’s bedside.

A string of charges against Ayad, 29, were mentioned briefly in Townsville Magistrates Court today.

He is charged with murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty and a dozen counts of assaulting police while in custody.

Ayad remained in Townsville watch house for the hearing after police cited public safety concerns.

His lawyer Helen Armitage sought an eight-week adjournment, saying a brief of evidence needed to be prepared.

Magistrate Richard Lehmann adjourned the hearing until October 28.

Ms Armitage also noted Ayad’s absence in the court room.

“Your honour, if I could note that it was the police that requested that he not be brought up,” she said.

“I’ve taken instructions that the defendant resists that.”

Tom Jackson remains critically ill on life support. Photo: Facebook.

However, Ms Armitage made no comment as she left the court.

It is alleged Ayad used the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” both during the attack and his arrest, and while police have so far ruled out any links to extremism, they are still investigating whether the suspect had a romantic interest in Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

The ABC understands Mr Jackson and Ayad were close friends, and locals who knew them were shocked by the incident.

When Ayad was released to the watch house on Wednesday evening, he allegedly assaulted two officers and violently resisted until a Taser and capsicum spray were used to subdue him.

Police have indicated Ayad had used cannabis on the night of the attack and drug testing was underway.