20/02/2013

Man On Trial For Murder Of Ex-Girlfriend And Unborn Child

The trial has opened of a man accused of a fatal "brutal and sustained" attack on his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

20-year-old Eystna Blunnie was found with fatal head injuries near her home in Howard Way, Harlow, Essex, on 27 June last year.

A jury heard that Ms Blunnie had been in an abusive relationship with 24-year-old Tony McLernon.

Mr McLernon, of North Grove, Harlow, is charged with the murder of Ms Blunnie and of child destruction by wilfully causing the death of an unborn child.

He denies both charges.

The court heard that on the day she died Ms Blunnie agreed to meet Ms Blunnie in the street in the early hours of June 27.

Nearby residents reported hearing screaming and punching noises on the morning of Ms Blunnie's death.

The trial continues.

(H/GK)


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