Man remanded over babysitter murder

An 18-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a teenage babysitter.

Catherine Wynter, 19, had been looking after her sister's son and daughter in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, on Boxing Day when she was attacked. Her body was found by her mother at 8am on December 27.

Tony Bushby, of Digswell Close, Borehamwood, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates' Court this morning charged with her murder, a court clerk said.

He was remanded in custody to appear at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday.

Miss Wynter, also known as Katie, was last heard from at around 7.30pm on Boxing Day.

Her niece and nephew, aged three and four, were in the house in Beech Drive, Borehamwood, at the time of the murder but were not injured. It is believed they could hold vital clues about the incident.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Miss Wynter, who also went by the surname Briscoe and lived elsewhere in Borehamwood, died as a result of stab injuries.

On Wednesday night, a 26-year-old man from Islington, north London, who had been arrested in connection with the killing was released without charge.

Police have said both men were known to Miss Wynter and her sister, but were not direct relatives.

Bushby is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court for a bail review hearing on Wednesday and a provisional date of January 9 has been set for a preliminary hearing.

PA