13/08/2012

Stuart Hazell Charged With The Murder Of Tia Sharp

A man has been remanded in custody for the murder of 12-year-old Tia Sharp, after appearing in court earlier today.

37-year-old Stuart Hazell was arrested on Friday following the discovery of a body at the house he shared with Tia’s grandmother, Christine Sharp.

Tia was reported missing on 3 August and was last seen at the house in New Addington, Croydon.

Although police are awaiting formal identification of the body found in the house, the accused has been charged with the murder sometime between 2 and 11 August.

Hazell appeared at Camberwell Green magistrates court on Monday via video link from a custody suite at Sutton police station.

No plea was entered with Hazell only speaking to confirm his name, address and that he understood the charge.

Christine Sharp, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 39-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have both been bailed to return to a south London police station in October.

The body was found wrapped in a black bed sheet, inside a bin bag in the attic of the house Hazell and Christine Sharp shared.

Mr Hazell will appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, with a further date for a preliminary hearing recorded as 19 November.

(H)




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