Iuliana Tudos: Man accused of murdering woman found in Finsbury Park appears in court

Kasim Lewis is charged with attacking 22-year-old woman who disappeared on Christmas Eve

A man accused of murdering a young woman whose body was found in a London park has appeared in court.

Kasim Lewis spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality during a 90-second hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The 31-year-old, of Friern Barnet in north London, is accused of murdering Iuliana Tudos between 24 December and when her body was found three days later.

The 22-year-old’s body was discovered by a member of the public in a disused building in Finsbury Park on 27 December.

Ms Tudos, who was of Russian and Greek origin, was last seen by friends at around 8pm on Christmas Eve when she headed for a bus from Camden.

She was due to meet them at another friend's home in Enfield later that evening before spending Christmas Day there, but never arrived.

A court sketch of Kasim Lewis appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on 3 January (PA)

A post-mortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to her abdomen and a head injury.

Ms Tudos was also known as Julia and Lili, and worked at the World’s End pub in Camden.

Friends and customers remembered her as a “welcoming” and friendly woman with a “beautiful soul” who made an “awesome impression” on all those she met.

A crowdfunding page set up by friends has so far raised almost £17,000 for her family and funeral expenses.

Friend Krystyna Rymarczyk, who started the campaign, wrote: “We are deeply moved by the generosity and kindness you have expressed with your donations.

“Julie’s spirit and energy will live on through her family and friends.”

Iuliana Tudos, a bartender who was found murdered in Finsbury Park (Iuliana Tudos/Facebook)

Mr Lewis was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing scheduled to take place at the Central Criminal Court on Friday.

Additional reporting by PA