Man in court charged with murder over 2018 drive-by shooting of girl, 17

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was socialising with friends when she was gunned down from a Vauxhall car in Tottenham, north London.

Michael Clarke appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jonathan Brady/ PA Archive) (PA Archive)

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a 17-year-old girl in a drive-by shooting more than six years ago.

Michael Clarke, 34, of Luton, is charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in relation to the incident in April 2018.

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was socialising with friends when she was gunned down from a silvery Vauxhall Meriva people carrier in Tottenham, north London.

She died at the scene and the car, with the registration KS56 NKG, was found burnt out in Barnet five days later.

Clarke, wearing a grey puffer jacket, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Ms Melbourne-Blake was killed at about 9.35pm on April 2 2018 after a bullet struck her in the chest, prosecutor Prosecutor Shelina Khudurun told the court.

Marcus La-Croix, 36, of Hackney, who was charged with the same offences as Clarke, appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded to appear at the Old Bailey for a bail application on Friday, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Ms Khudurun said there appeared to be no link between the victim and co-defendants.

Clarke was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Monday.