A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a 42-year-old teacher in south London.
James Madden has been charged with the murder of Gemma Devonish, who was found with stab wounds in Nutfield Close, Carshalton, on Thursday (December 19).
Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene where Ms Devonish was pronounced dead, the Metropolitan Police said.
Madden appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court via video-link from Brixton police station today (December 23).
The 38-year-old wore a grey sweatshirt and did not confirm his name. Officers with him confirmed his identity on his behalf.
Lesley Budge, chair of a bench of magistrates, said: “Mr Madden you are charged with an indictable only offence, a matter which can’t be dealt with in this court.”
The defendant, of Railton Road, Brixton, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Christmas Eve.
Ms Devonish was a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey.
A post on Rosebery School’s website says: “The entire Rosebery community is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Gemma Devonish.
“Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.”
Some reporting by PA.