Mr Gilchrist has appeared at the Old Bailey. Photo: wit @ flickr

A man has appeared in court today, charged with the murder of his mother in Croydon last week.

Jerome Gilchrist, 34, appeared for a bail hearing at the Old Bailey. He is accused of murdering his mother, Beryl Gilchrist, 58.

After appearing via video link from prison, Mr Gilchrist, of North Street, Huddersfield, was remanded in custody. He will appear in court again in August to enter a plea.

Ms Gilchrist was found dead last Thursday evening, 24 June, at her home in Miller Road, Croydon. Her son was arrested at the scene.

A deeply religious woman, Ms Gilchrist was also known by the name Nazarine Samuel. She was the pastor of a small church based at her home, ‘Nazarine Samuel Ministries Elelyon The House of Prayer for all Nations.’

Speaking to the Croydon Advertiser, neighbours described Ms Gilchrist as ‘a nice lady,’ and spoke of her murder as ‘a shock.’

“She was fine as a neighbour,” one added. “We would say hello and talk now and again. What’s happened is too close to home.”