Man, 51, in court charged with strangling India Chipchase in Northampton

Updated

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a 20-year-old woman who was found strangled at his home.

Edward Tenniswood, 51, who is accused of killing India Chipchase in Northampton at the weekend, was remanded in custody at the town's magistrates court.

The alleged killer, wearing slip-on shoes and a grey top and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm that he understood the charge against him during a two-minute hearing.

Tenniswood, of Stanley Road, Northampton, was ordered to appear before a crown court judge via a prison videolink on Thursday.

Miss Chipchase was last seen alive in Bridge Street, Northampton, early on Saturday morning.

Inquiries into her disappearance led Northamptonshire Police officers to Tenniswood's home in the St James area of the town, where India's body was discovered on Sunday night.

A post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist on Monday confirmed she died from pressure to the neck.

Miss Chipchase's boyfriend Evaan Reihana, a New Zealander who plays rugby for Bordeaux Begles in France, paid tribute to her in a post on Instagram.

Writing alongside a picture of her, he said: "I honestly can't believe to think even now that you have left us in that way miss India eve Chipchase !!"

He said hers would be "the name on my strap" that would bring him luck "in the game we love".

Ms Chipchase was said to be a sports enthusiast and a keen fan of her local rugby club, Northampton Saints.

Former England star Ben Cohen, who played for the club as a youngster, tweeted: "So sad and devastating and on our doorstep. Thoughts go out to her family."

Miss Chipchase was a student at Northampton College between September 2013 and June 2014, where she took a diploma in health and social care.

For her studies she worked with children and the elderly, winning praise from her supervisors for her teamwork, initiative and sensitivity.

Principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: "We are devastated to hear of the death of our former student India Chipchase.

"India was an extremely popular, hard-working student during her time at Northampton College, where she studied health and social care. Our thoughts go out to all her friends and family at this time."

Her former lecturer, Jo Forester, said: "Within college she was a well-liked member of her group by both staff and students for her caring nature and sense of humour.

"She was a hard-working, intelligent young lady who possessed the maturity to complete all the targets she set herself regarding her college work and placement experiences."

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