Ex-soldier in court over alleged murder of woman

A former British soldier accused of the murder of a young mother, whose body was found in a septic tank in Kenya, has appeared in court.

Robert James Purkiss, from Tidworth in Wiltshire, is facing extradition to the east African country over the killing of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in 2012, which he denies.

The 38-year-old, who was arrested on 6 November, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier via video link from HMP Wandsworth, speaking only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Judge Goldspring said there was "nothing outstanding" in the management of Purkiss' case and remanded him in custody again. He will next appear on 3 March.

At the High Court in December, Ms Justice Norton said Purkiss was on a six-week training exercise in early 2012 when he went on a "drinking spree", ending up at the Lions Court hotel in the town of Nanyuki, Kenya.

She said Ms Wanjiru's body was found in a septic tank nearby with stab wounds to the abdomen.

The 21-year-old also had a five-month old daughter at the time.

Mr Purkiss' lawyers previously told the court he "vehemently denies" murder and intends to contest the extradition.

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