Man in court over Beagley murder

Updated 10.46 Tue Jun 05 2007

Keywords: Surrey, Kate Beagley

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Kate Beagley who vanished after going on a date almost a week ago.

The body of the 32-year-old sales manager from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, was discovered in Oxhey Woods near Watford, Hertfordshire early on Monday.

Karl Joseph Taylor, a 27-year-old football coach from central London, will appear at Staines' magistrates' court

Karl Joseph Taylor, a 27-year-old football coach from central London, was remanded in custody after a brief hearing at Staines' magistrates' court.

Miss Beagley was last seen by her father on Wednesday shortly before she was due to go out with a man she had met the previous week in the CC night club in London's Trocadero.

The pair are believed to have gone to Richmond, south west London and spent time at the Roebuck pub on Richmond Hill which overlooks a popular local beauty spot.

Her grey Volkswagen Golf was spotted on CCTV near Chiswick Bridge in west London just before midnight last Wednesday. It was discovered in Harlesden, northwest London at 4am on Monday.

Another car police had been seeking, a black BMW 3 series, was found nearby in Harlesden at around the same time.

Superintendent Jerry Westerman, leading the inquiry, said on Monday: "This was a pre-arranged date with a man she had met the week before at a nightclub.

"We believe Kate and the man may have called at the Roebuck Pub and may have crossed the road to the terrace and park area opposite. We are also very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the couple later in or around Oxhey Woods."

Miss Beagley worked as a sales compliance manager for British Gas, owned by Centrica, her employer for the past ten years.

Her friends, communicating on the social networking website Facebook, posted emotional tributes.

Joanna Poole, from London, wrote: "Kate was a wonderful, funny girl with a kind heart and a quirky sense of humour. We were friends for 21 years and she was a dear friend to many people.

"She was loved so very much and we will miss her. The world is truly a sadder place. She is now at peace."