A former sports teammate of the New Zealand man accused of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane on Tuesday described him as being “creepy towards girls”.

Jesse Kempson was a "weird guy", according to the softball teammate, who said he warned women off spending time with the suspect.

“He was a different sort of character,” said the man, who spoke to the MailOnline on condition his name was not published.

“He was creepy towards girls. His life revolved around girls, taking to girls.”

Mr Kempson, 26, is currently in custody after appearing in court on Monday.