AN EASTERN European man accused of murdering a mother in front of her baby son has appeared in court.

Wojiech Ciesla, who is originally from Poland, is said to have beaten Juline Chambers to death at her home in Ancona Road, Plumstead.

The 47-year-old is also accused of beating her 15-month-old son, causing head injuries, on August 8 last year.

Ciesla, of no fixed address, appeared at the Old Bailey on January 16, charged with murder.

He will return to the court to enter a plea on February 9.