A man has denied murdering a mum-of-two before dumping her body in the boot of a car.

Janelle Duncan-Bailey of Pawsons Road, was last seen in the early hours of January 2, in Thornton Heath.

The 25-year-old care support worker's body was discovered in a car close to where she was last seen two days later.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as asphyxiation and compression of the neck.

Her ex-boyfriend, Jerome McDonald of Fairlands Avenue, has been charged with her murder.

The 30-year-old entered a not guilty plea when he appeared at the Old Bailey this morning.

He will stand trial on August 19, the case is expected to last two weeks.