A MAN charged with murdering a Darwen woman who hoped to become a nurse has appeared in court.
Gareth Richard Horton, 29, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, was remanded in custody until February 21 by an Old Bailey court.
He was charged on New Year's Day with the murder of Charlotte Flanagan, a former Blackburn with Darwen Council employee who had moved to London three months ago to take a year out before starting a nursing course.
She was living above the Barley Mow pub in London's West End, where she also worked as a barmaid.
Her body was found on New Year's Day in the bedroom. She had been stabbed in the neck.
Horton was arrested in Southwark, South London, and committed for trial from Bow Street Magistrates Court.
A plea and directions hearing will be held on February 21.
Charlotte's family, who live at Melville Gardens, Darwen, have yet to be given the all-clear to hold a funeral for their daughter, a former St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn, pupil.
It is up to the coroner to decide when the body can be released, although the family say they have been reassured it will happen 'as quickly as possible.'
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