Man, 54, accused of murdering woman, 24, whose body has not been found after disappearing a month ago is remanded in custody
- Maureen Gitau was last seen leaving home in southeast London on December 5
- Mark Moodie is accused of murdering her and will face trial this November
- He was remanded in custody during a hearing at the Old Bailey on Thursday
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An alleged killer charged with murdering a young woman who disappeared a month ago was remanded in custody today after a hearing at the Old Bailey.
Maureen Gitau, 24, was last seen as she left her home in Evelyn Street, Deptford, southeast London on December 5.
She was reported missing by her family on December 10 and concerned friends on December 12.
Mark Moodie, 54, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from HMP Thameside charged with murdering Ms Gitau.
Mark Moodie, 54, of Woolwich, has been charged with the murder of Maureen Gitau, 24, pictured
Ms Gitau was last seen leaving her home on Evelyn Street, SE8 on December 5. Police are yet to recover Ms Gitau’s body
He is accused of the murder of Ms Gitau in the London borough of Lewisham on December 5.
Moodie, who wore a green jumper, spoke to the court on Thursday to confirm his name and date of birth.
Ms Gitau’s body has not been found, but police confirmed Moodie was one of the last people she spoke to on her phone before her disappearance.
Prosecutor James Dawes, KC, said: ‘The deceased in this case is Maureen Gitau who disappeared and has not been seen since 5 December 2022.
‘Her body has not been found.
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‘She was reported missing on 12 December by friends and it was dealt with by the police as a missing person’s enquiry.
‘Enquires revealed that one of the last people to speak to her on the telephone on 5 December was the defendant.
‘As a result this defendant was spoken to by police.’
Judge Mark Dennis, KC, remanded him in custody to appear at a plea and trial preparation hearing on 23 March.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation.
She previously said: ‘Maureen’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.
‘This news has come as a terrible shock. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them at this very difficult time.
Police are asking anyone who knew Ms Gitau and, who saw her on 5 December in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could assist the investigation, to call 101.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Moodie, of Nightingale Place, Woolwich, is charged with murder.
A three week trial date was set for 27 November.
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