Sabina Nessa murder: accused due in court today

Koci Selamaj, 36, allegedly travelled to London from his home in Eastbourne to carry out a pre-meditated and predatory attack.

It is claimed he struck 28-year-old Ms Nessa as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east, London, on her way to meet a friend on September 17.

The body of Ms Nessa, who taught a year one class at Rushey Green Primary School in Catford, was found nearly 24 hours later covered with grass near a community centre in the park.

It is believed that Ms Nessa’s attacker was a complete stranger to her.

Sabina Nessa murder court appearance

Selamaj, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town and charged with her murder.

Court artist sketch of Koci Selamaj (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

On Thursday, Selamaj, an Albanian national, will appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and directions hearing.

The defendant, who is in custody, will appear before senior judge, Mr Justice Wall.

Fundraising at Sabina Nessa’s school

The primary school where Sabina Nessa taught is raising funds for an “edible” garden in memory of their teacher.

Sabina Nessa had been teaching at Rushey Green Primary School for just over a year when she was killed at the age of 28.

The school is hoping to build a safe outdoor space where pupils would be able to grow and cook their own food as a way of remembering her.

They have a fundraising target of £14,500 and have already raised £5,500 via their fundraising page.

Head teacher Lisa Williams said: “A garden is somewhere that the children can remember Sabina because it’s a safe place for them to play.

“Aspects of the garden will include educating the children on food and sustainability.

“We are obviously really saddened that Sabina lost her life tragically in a park.

“Parks and green spaces are supposed to be safe places for children to play and for people to enjoy, so we want to change that narrative.

“We want the children to know that green spaces are good spaces.”