A MAN has appeared in court accused of stabbing a “wonderful” teacher to death.
Gemma Devonish, 42, was discovered with knife wounds inside a home in Carshalton, South London, on Thursday morning.
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James Madden appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder.
The 38-year-old did not confirm his identity, with officers instead telling the court his name on his behalf.
Madden was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow.
The horror unfolded last week at around 10.30am as emergency crews were scrambled to the home.
Gemma, who was a head of year at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, was declared dead at the scene.
Police confirmed she and Madden were known each other and said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
Paying tribute, the all-girl’s school said: “Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.”
Headteacher David Lach added: “Miss Devonish was the kindest and most gentle of people, who was devoted to her work and loved her students at Rosebery so very much.
“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.
“We know that this news will have come as a terrible shock to students and parents/carers across our community, as it has to all staff, who are finding it incredibly difficult to comprehend that we have lost such a cherished friend and colleague, so suddenly.
“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.”
Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in Nutfield Close on December 18 or 19 has been urged to call police on 101.
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