Woman denies murder of woman found dead in Salcombe

Jemma Mitchell has denied murdering Mee Kuen Chong and dumping her body in Salcombe. 

Mitchell, 37, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing today. 

She is charged with murdering Ms Chong, who was also known as Deborah, at some point between 10 and 27 June, before dumping her headless body where it was found, in an area of woodland near to Bennett Road in Salcombe, on Monday, 27 June.  

Ms Chong was reported missing from her home in Wembley, north London, on 11 June by her family. She originally came from Malaysia but moved to the Wembley area in 2004.

A provisional four-week trial has been set for next year by Judge Anthony Leonard QC.

Meanwhile a further hearing has been set for 23 December this year, which the defendant is due to attend via video link.

The defendant, who hails from Brondesbury Park, Brent, northwest London, was remanded into custody.