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Man accused of murdering Rosie Darbyshire appears in court

Posted on - 9th February, 2019 - 11:15am | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Preston News, Ribbleton
Rosie Darbyshire
Rosie Darbyshire

The man accused of murdering his girlfriend in Ribbleton has appeared in court.

Benjamin Topping, 25, of St George’s Road, Deepdale, spoke only to confirm his name at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

He is charged with the murder of Rosie Darbyshire.

The 27-year-old’s body was found on the pavement off Pope Lane, Ribbleton, at 2am on Thursday (7 February).

Preston Police said the mum-of-one had been subjected to a sustained and brutal attack.

A post morterm showed she died from serious head injuries.

Topping did not enter a plea and a trial will take place on 3 June at Preston Crown Court.

In court he was wearing a grey jumper and had extensive tattoos on his neck and face.

Police confirmed on Friday they had referred the investigation to the Independent Office of Police Conduct as the force had contact with Rosie before she died.

Friends and family have been paying tribute to Rosie, who had worked at the Townhouse Coffee Shop in Friargate and was an aspiring model.

Village Drive has seen floral tributes put down for Rosie Pic: Luke Horton
Village Drive has seen floral tributes put down for Rosie Pic: Luke Horton

Flowers have been continued to be laid at the spot in Village Drive where she was found dead and a fundraising campaign has been launched to pay for her funeral and to help with the care of her son.

Police are continuing their investigations and were seen cutting back hedges during Saturday at the spot where Rosie was found.

Police presence in Village Drive Pic: Anthony McCain
Police presence in Village Drive Pic: Anthony McCain

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