A graphic designer appeared in court today charged with the murder of his girlfriend.
Roderick Deakin-White, 37, appeared at Thames magistrates’ court in connection with the death of 35-year-old Amy Parsons. Australian Miss Parsons was discovered by police on Friday in the fifth-floor flat she shared with her fiancé in Whitechapel. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Today neighbours paid tribute to a “lovely and positive” woman. Asad Samee, 21, told the Standard: “Amy was very friendly, the sort of person who would always give you a smile.
“They were a really nice couple; just lovely, happy people. When I saw the police and ambulance I knew something was wrong. It is horrifying.”
The couple are thought to have been together for at least six years.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “Rod helped me with things like council tax and wi-fi when I needed help. Their relationship always seemed very good.”
Another neighbour, 36, added: “The couple always seemed like friendly, nice people. It’s so sad and unexpected.”
The Met said officers were called to the flat in Crowder Street at around 1.30pm on Friday, following “concerns for the welfare of a female resident”.
Deakin-White was arrested in north London. He was remanded in custody today until Wednesday, when he is due to appear at the Old Bailey.
In a separate incident, police are seeking the identity of a man who died after being hit by a car in Neasden Lane, in Brent, just before 9.30pm on Saturday. The driver of the blue VW Passat stopped and is helping police with enquiries.
