Crime reporter(wp):
A man has appeared in court charged with preventing the lawful burial of a teenage girl found in a wardrobe wrapped in clingfilm.
Ashley Foster, 24, was charged after the remains of a 17-year-old, believed to be Megan Louise Bills from Stourbridge, West Midlands, were found in nearby Brierley Hill on Thursday. Police have informed Megan’s next of kin.
Foster, of no fixed address, appeared for a brief hearing at Dudley magistrates court on Monday flanked by a dock officer.
He was not asked to enter a plea to a charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial between 16 April and 4 May.
Officers had been called to an address in Brierley Hill after neighbours reported a smell.
Maxine Jarrousse-Jones, prosecuting, said when police turned up at a flat there, they “found a double wardrobe wrapped in clingfilm”.
She added: “The wardrobe was opened and a young female was found inside, deceased, and had been there a considerable amount of time – at least a couple of weeks.”
Simon Green, presiding, told Foster the offence could only be dealt with at a higher court and remanded him into custody. Foster is to appear before Wolverhampton crown court on 5 June.
In a statement, released through West Midlands police, Megan’s family said: “We are devastated by the loss of our daughter whose life has so unnecessarily been cut short.
“We appreciate the support we have been given by our family, friends and the police.
“Whilst nothing can fill the huge gap in our family life that Megan’s passing has left, we trust that in time we will have answers that will help us understand why this dreadful event has occurred. We would request that we are left alone to grieve at this emotional time. Rest in peace princess.”
DI Caroline Corfield, the investigating officer, said: “Our hearts go out to Megan’s family as they come to terms with this dreadful news and they have asked that they are given the privacy to do so.
“Our investigation is continuing as we work to establish the circumstances of Megan’s death so that we can provide her family with the answers they need.
“I would ask anyone with information about Megan’s last known movements to come forward.”
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