A FORMER neighbour of a murdered lapdancer has denied killing her in a bungled robbery.

Crystal Mercedes Whilby of Wood Vale, Forest Hill, denied manslaughter and conspiracy to rob Adelle Hamilton, at the Old Bailey last Thursday (December 20).

In court, Whilby sarcastically confirmed her name and said 'not guilty' as the charges were read out.

The bound and gagged body of 18-year-old Miss Hamilton, who worked at the Spearmint Rhino club in Slough, was discovered in her Wood Vale flat by her father, in July. Detectives believe Whilby planned to steal £40,000 which Miss Hamilton had access to through her job.

The investigation continues into other possible conspirators involved in the plot.

Whilby was released on bail and will face an eight day trial at the Old Bailey on March 18, 2002.

December 20, 2001 18:31