A 20-year-old barmaid who was found dead following a rap concert had been strangled before her body was dumped in a pond covered in branches, a court has heard.
Keeley Bunker's remains were discovered near woodland after friends and family had organised a search when she failed to return home after watching a concert by rapper Aitch at the O2 Arena in Birmingham.
Wesley Streete, 19, of no fixed address, appeared in court charged with murder and rape at Stafford Crown Court today.
Wearing a dark blue sweater, Streete remained emotionless in the dock and spoke only to plead not guilty to both charges.
The public gallery was packed with family and friends of Keeley who remained silent as details of her death emerged during the 45-minute hearing.
Judge Michael Chambers QC set a provisional trial date of July 13 and remanded Streete in custody as he adjourned the case.
He told Streete: "Your case is being adjourned further as I have heard it's no longer possible to try this matter in March. The likelihood is it will be tried on July 13.
"I am required to warn you if you choose not to attend your trial, it may happen in your absence and you may be unrepresented."
The popular young barmaid's death sent shockwaves through her local community earlier this year.
Hundreds of people gathered to bid an emotional farewell to Keeley at her funeral in October as her hometown was decked out in pink ribbons.
Her coffin was escorted through the streets of Tamworth in a white horse-drawn carriage draped in pink and white flowers, feathers and bows
Her family said in a statement ahead of the service: "Keeley was a bright, caring, beautiful girl who touched the hearts of the people closest to her.
"We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the countless well wishes & sympathies we have received and of course the efforts that have been made in numerous events, including colouring our town pink."
