Man charged with murdering nurse who performed on BGT appears in court

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a nurse who performed on Britain's Got Talent in an NHS choir.
Nurse Simonne Kerr, 31, who was fatally stabbed in her home in Battersea, south west London. Photo credit: NHS Press office/PA WireNurse Simonne Kerr, 31, who was fatally stabbed in her home in Battersea, south west London. Photo credit: NHS Press office/PA Wire
Nurse Simonne Kerr, 31, who was fatally stabbed in her home in Battersea, south west London. Photo credit: NHS Press office/PA Wire

Desmond Sylva, 40, is accused of stabbing 31-year-old Simonne Kerr to death in her home in Battersea, south-west London.

Police were called shortly before 12.40pm on Wednesday to the Victorian terrace but she was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

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Sylva, who lived in the same address in Grayshott Road, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with murder.

He did not enter a plea to the charge and spoke only to confirm his details during the short hearing.

He was remanded in custody and ordered to appear on August 21 at the Old Bailey.

Ms Kerr, whose death sparked the 90th homicide investigation in the capital this year, was living in the flat but was originally from Wembley, north-west London.

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The nurse at Guy's Hospital, near London Bridge, appeared on the talent show with the B Positive Choir to encourage blood donations after her young son Kavele died from complications of sickle cell disease.

A spokeswoman from NHS Blood and Transplant said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with Simonne's family at this tragic time.

"She was a valued and respected member of the B Positive choir who was passionate about the lifesaving power of blood donation following the loss of her son.

"The choir, NHS Blood and Transplant and all those who knew Simonne are devastated at the loss of a well-liked choir member and friend."