Ladbrook Road Croydon burglary: Handyman accused of murdering woman

Hugo Da Silva Pires, 28, is alleged to have overpowered 76-year-old Nellie Acomo at her home and fled with her phone, wallet, electronic devices and a Bible late on the night of June 20.

Ms Akomah was found dead at a property in Ladbrook Road, Croydon, the following day.

An initial examination revealed that she had a fractured larynx and two broken ribs.

The injuries were said to be consistent with strangulation, although post-mortem examinations are continuing to confirm how she died.

It is alleged that Ms Akoma’s bank cards were used to make purchases after her death food and watches.

On June 23, Pires and his partner Katia Feliciano, 31, from Thornton Heath, south London, were arrested at Stansted Airport as they allegedly tried to leave the country.

Pires was charged with Ms. Acoma’s murder, burglary and fraud, and Feliciano with fraud and perverting the course of justice.

Pires, who is a Portuguese national, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday for a 48-hour preliminary hearing from Tameside Prison.

In court, he was assisted by a Portuguese translator and a lawyer via video link.

Judge Alexia Daran scheduled the case for September 13.

A preliminary three-week trial was set for May 7, 2024, the earliest date available.

The defendant, who confirmed in the conversation that he understood the interpreter, was taken into custody.

Earlier, Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said Ms Acoma was an active member of the church and her loss would be “deeply felt by many people”.