Man accused of Tia Sharp murder appears in court

Tia Sharp and Stuart Hazell. Pic: police handout and Emma Jane Burgess

Tia Sharp and Stuart Hazell. Pic: police handout and Emma Jane Burgess

A man pleaded not guilty to the murder of 12-year-old Croydon girl Tia Sharp at the Old Bailey today.

Stuart Hazell, 38, remained at Belmarsh Prison for the hearing, appearing in court via videolink.

At the time of Tia’s murder, Hazell was in a relationship with her grandmother, Christine Sharp. She was last seen alive at Sharp’s home in New Addington, before being reported missing on 3 August 2012.

After a week long search where the police were joined by hundreds of local residents, her body was discovered in Sharp’s house on August 10.

Tia’s parents and stepfather were in court today to watch proceedings.

Hazell is due to go to on trial for Tia’s murder on May 7.

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