Jane Longhurst's body was found in Pulborough

The man accused of murdering Brighton music teacher Jane Longhurst has appeared in court.

Graham James Coutts, 35, a part-time musician and salesman, from Waterloo Street in Hove, was charged on Tuesday by Sussex police.

Appearing before magistrates in Brighton on Wednesday, he spoke only to give his name, address and date of birth.

The court heard he is charged with the murder of Miss Longhurst in Sussex or elsewhere between 14 March and 19 April.

Stood with head down

District Judge Ann Arnold committed the case to Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on 12 May.

No application for bail was made and Mr Coutts was remanded in custody.

He was flanked by three security guards throughout the five minute hearing, in which he appeared behind a glass screen.

He stood with his head down for much of the time and was wearing a black turtleneck sweatshirt.

The body of Miss Longhurst, originally from Reading, was discovered at Wiggonholt Common, in Pulborough, West Sussex, on 19 April.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had been strangled.

The 31-year-old had disappeared from the Brighton home she shared with her boyfriend Malcolm Sentance, on 14 March.

Miss Longhurst taught music at Uplands School, a special needs school in Brighton.