Man in court accused of killing 'devoted' teacher

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a 42-year-old teacher in south London.

James Madden, 38, is charged with murder following the death of Gemma Devonish, who died after being found with stab wounds at an address in Nutfield Close, Carshalton, at about 10.30 GMT on Thursday.

Mr Madden, of Railton Road, Brixton, appeared before Croydon Magistrates' Court and was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

The head of Roseberry School in Epsom, where Ms Devonish taught, has described her as "the kindest and most gentle of people", who was "devoted to her work and loved her pupils".

David Lach said: "She was a wonderful teacher who inspired a love of her subject among all her students and went above and beyond to offer her time, expertise and care to the students in her classes and in her year group.

"Her loss to our school is incalculable, but she leaves the most incredible legacy in the hundreds of students that have been touched by her energy, passion and empathy.

"The hearts of the Rosebery community will be broken by this awful news, but the strength of our school has always been the way we have supported each other in times of adversity."

Metropolitan Police officers and London Ambulance Service went to the property in Carshalton but Ms Devonish died at the scene.

Mr Madden appeared in court via video link. He did not confirm his name, but officers with him confirmed his identity on his behalf.

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