Man denies killing alleged ex-lover, court hears

Yajaira Castro Mendez left her home in Ilford on 29 May and was reported missing two days later

A man has denied murdering his colleague and alleged former lover in central London before disposing of her body.

Juan Francisco Toledo, 51, is accused of killing fellow cleaner Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, at an office block on Grays Inn Road on 29 May and dumping her body in Hampshire.

Appearing at the Old Bailey, the defendant, a Venezuelan national of Crystal Palace, south London, pleaded not guilty to murder and to perverting the course of justice by concealing and disposing of her body on or before 7 June.

Mr Toledo's trial is due to begin at the Old Bailey on 20 April next year.

Ms Mendez had allegedly previously been in a relationship with the married defendant, the court was told at an earlier hearing.

The body of Ms Mendez, who was originally from Colombia, was discovered in the Bolderwood area of the New Forest on 7 June.

Mr Toledo was arrested on 4 June and subsequently charged with murder.

On Tuesday, the defendant, wearing glasses and a red and grey top, used a Spanish translator and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and to plead not guilty.