'Grandad' appears in court via video
13 August 2012
The Sun
Harry Hawkins
Tragic Tia Sharp was "smothered" and her body was found wrapped in a black sheet and bin liner in the loft of her step-grandfather's home.
The details emerged as Stuart Hazell appeared in court via video - charged with the schoolgirl's murder.
Police feared taking Stuart Hazell to Camberwell Green Magistrates Court in person could spark violence - with baying mobs trying to attack him.
Instead he was beamed live to the court from a cell 13 miles away.
Hazell was remanded in custody after appearing at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court, south east London
He will appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, when there might be a bail application.
Hazell — the lover of Tia’s gran Christine Sharp, 46 — was charged with the schoolgirl’s murder at 2am yesterday and members of Tia’s family have spoken openly of “avenging” her.
The 37-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and address.
He was charged after Tia’s body was found in the loft of the home he shares with his lover and Tia’s grandmother Christine Sharp on Friday August 10.
Christine, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, has not been charged and was freed on police bail until October.
Neighbour Paul Meehan, 39 — held for assisting an offender after allegedly giving a false statement — was also freed on bail without charges.
Tia went missing after visiting the home Hazell, 37, shares with Christine, 46, in New Addington.
Her body was found in the loft after seven days by cops using sniffer dogs. Bungling officers had missed it during three previous searches.
Police apologised to Tia's devastated mum Natalie for failing to find the youngster.
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