A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a former Christchurch woman.

Sarah O’Neill, 22, was found dead at her home in the Speedwell area of Bristol just before midday last Wednesday.

Sergio Saavedra-Navarrete, 27, who is believed to have been the young mum’s boyfriend, appeared via video link at Bristol Crown Court yesterday. The defendant is originally from Mexico, but gave his address in court as Miss O’Neill’s – Rose Green Close.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing, and has been remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing on February 4 when a provisional trial date is due to be fixed. He was remanded into custody as no application for bail was made.

Miss O’Neill, the mother of a young son, attended Highcliffe School and Brockenhurst College.