Whetstone: Man guilty of murdering woman found under bed

The family of Natasha Morais said her death would "forever leave a hole in our hearts"

A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman who was discovered under a bed at a flat.

Shannon Grant, 27, was convicted of the murder of Natasha Morais on Tuesday after a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

The 40-year-old was found unresponsive beneath an Ottoman-style bed in Whetstone, Leicestershire, on 22 June 2023.

Her brother helped police identify Grant, who was subsequently charged with murdering her.

Shannon Grant, 27, will be sentenced on 21 March

Leicestershire Police said Ms Morais's family became concerned for her safety after receiving a text from her phone asking for £2,000 that was needed to pay a fine.

They went to her flat in Loughland Close at about 20:40 BST, but a man they did not know appeared and refused to allow them access.

The family called police, who forced entry to her flat and found Ms Morais, who was pronounced at the scene.

One of her brothers arrived and recognised Grant from the description. He was traced to a flat in Coventry and arrested.

A post-mortem examination concluded Ms Morais died as a result of ligature strangulation and a cable tie, which was recovered from her body, was found to have Grant's DNA on it, the force said.

Grant was captured on CCTV buying cable ties at a DIY store in Coventry the previous day.

Leicestershire Police shared footage of Ms Morais and Grant at a shop together

Det Insp David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said: "Natasha was tragically subjected to a violent assault which sadly led to her death.

"She was a much-loved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be forever missed by those who knew her."

Sentencing is due to take place on 21 March.