Man, 24, ‘murdered model, 28, and tried to kill girl, 8, before dumping the body in River Severn’
A MAN has been accused of murdering a model, dumping her body and trying to kill an eight-year-old girl.
Charles Byrne, flanked by a security officer, spoke only to confirm his personal details before the charges were read out at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court.
The guitarist, who lived at home with his mum in Worcester, is accused of murdering Christina Rowe, 28, and a further attempted murder on February 10.
The body of Miss Rowe, a Filipino-born model, was recovered from the River Severn.
Byrne was remanded to appear before Worcester Crown Court on February 16.
Dismissing the option of bail, Deputy District Judge Derek French cited the seriousness of the offence and the possibility that Byrne might fail to surrender or interfere with witnesses.
Byrne, who is over six foot tall, remained impassive throughout the five-minute hearing.
He wore a grey, round-neck top and his blonde hair was cropped short.
His lawyer Gerrard Vahey told the court that Byrne was aware of what was happening.
The court further ruled that the identity of the eight-year-old should be protected.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTES
One friend of Christina told The Sun: "She was lovely and amazing. She was a strong woman and very well liked."
Former neighbour Bryn Ruff said: "She was a delightful, polite, charming girl and I am heartbroken to hear this, absolutely gutted.
"She was so helpful. Once I locked myself out of the house and Christina let me use her phone to call a locksmith.
"Another time I missed a takeaway delivery and she took it in and kept it warm for me. She was just really thoughtful, like the best sort of Brit really.
"I know she worked as a model over here. She was beautiful and so petite, there was really nothing to her."
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Miss Rowe last seen on Monday receiving a parcel from a postman and is said to have been "really chipper and happy".
A neighbour said: "I asked the postman who delivered her post when the last time he had seen her was and he said on Monday when he gave her a parcel.
"Apparently she was really chipper and happy and had a smile on her face and that was only Monday."
