Updated 10.55am

STUART HAZELL HAS appeared in court in South London charged with the murder of 12-year old Tia Sharp.

Hazell appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court via video link and pictured accompanied by one female police officer.

He spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth, and said he understands the charge against him.

Hazell will appear again before the Old Bailey via video link in two days time. Magistrates at Camberwell Green have said that they don’t have jurisdiction in the case.

The 37-year-old has been committed for trial charged with the murder of Tia, whose body was found at her grandmother’s house in New Addington in London on Friday night. She had been missing for a week.

According to the Croydon Reporter a preliminary hearing will take place on 19 November.

Hazell was arrested at the weekend, along with Tia’s grandmother Christine Sharp and neighbour Paul Meegan. Sharp and Meehan have since been released on bail.

Reporter with the Croydon Advertiser David Churchill tweeted before Hazell’s appearance:

Martin Brunt of Sky News said that it didn’t appear that any of Tia Sharp’s family were present in the courtroom. Hazell has been remanded in custody and will now be transferred to prison.

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