Forget Marbella...bella Margate set for 84F
Family’s grief over suitcase victim as suspect faces court
News Reporter
THE nation may roast in temperatures tipping 84F (29C) today as Britain outshines Spain on the hottest day of the year.
Forecasters are expecting at least 81F, trouncing Marbella and Ibiza and tempting many to beaches and beauty spots.
Temperatures in London and the south-east will better the 78.8F recorded in Treknow, Cornwall, on Good Friday.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: “We’re expecting the warmest day of the year so far, with 82.4F possible in the south-east. There is
John Twomey
THE family of a young woman whose dismembered body was found in two suitcases were “devastated” yesterday after DNA tests confirmed her identity.
Relatives of Phoenix Netts, 28, were struggling to come to terms with her gruesome death as her alleged killer appeared in court.
Phoenix’s remains were found in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, after police were alerted to a car being driven erratically.
A woman from Birmingham and a man from Wolverhampton were arrested and a murder inquiry was launched.
It is not yet known exactly where or when Phoenix was killed but she is believed to have died in Birmingham.
In a statement, her close relatives said: “As a family, we are devastated with what has happened to Phoenix.
“We ask our privacy is respected whilst we grieve and come to terms with the loss of Phoenix in such tragic circumstances.
“We hope everyone can understand why we need to be left alone at this very difficult time.
“We have family and good friends supporting us and our
Elly Blake
also a small chance of reaching 84.2F.” Manchester and Leeds could see highs of 77F, while Edinburgh may peak at 68F.
Tomorrow is predicted to turn cooler and more unsettled in places, with showers, thunderstorms and rain, particularly further north.
Oli added: “There is a cold front approaching from the East.”
Temperatures are due to pick up again for the bank holiday weekend. thanks go out to all of them.” The family, who also praised police officers for their sensitivity, spoke after a woman appeared in court over last week’s tragedy.
Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27, of Birmingham, is accused of murdering Phoenix between April 14 and May 12.
Mr Justice Garnham set a provisional trial date for November 10 and remanded her in custody at Bristol Crown Court.
Gordon’s alleged accomplice Mabesh Sorathiya, 38, of Wolverhampton, was freed on bail on strict conditions.
He is accused of assisting an offender by driving Gordon to the spot where they were arrested.
Mr Justice Garnham said: “The background to this case are allegations of the most appalling type.
“However, Sorathiya’s alleged involvement relates to his transporting of the defendant Gordon.
“There is no suggestion that he was involved in the alleged offence of murder itself.”
An application will be made at a later date for the trial to be heard at Birmingham Crown Court.
Phoenix’s body was found near Coleford, Gloucs, and police cordoned off a large area for a search.
Gloucestershire Constabulary have now handed the investigation over to West Midlands Police.
Forensic teams have spent days searching a women’s refuge in the Lozells area of Birmingham where Phoenix had been staying.
Much of the work concentrated on a bedroom on the first floor.
One neighbour said officers had brought out “bags and bags of evidence” and taken photos of a wheelie bin area and an alley.
Det Chief Insp Scott Griffiths, of West Midlands homicide team, sent condolences to Phoenix’s family and urged anyone who can help to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.