Man on pregnant woman murder charge

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of the unborn baby girl she was carrying.

Tony McLernon, 23, of North Grove, Harlow, Essex, is accused of killing Eystna Blunnie, who was found fatally injured in Howard Way in the town in the early hours of June 27.

He also faces a charge of child destruction after it emerged that 20-year-old Ms Blunnie, from Halling Hill in Harlow, was heavily pregnant at the time of her death.

Ms Blunnie was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow but died of multiple head and facial injuries.

Her profile picture on Facebook featured a recent ultrasound scan. She told friends she "could not wait" to be a mother and added: "Only 17 days and counting."

Essex Police said Mr McLernon appeared before magistrates in Chelmsford and was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.

PA