Man in Court Over Passenger Murder

7 January 2019, 12:51 | Updated: 7 January 2019, 12:53

Man accused of murdering Lee Pomeroy on Surrey train says he is 'innocent until proven guilty'

A man accused of murdering a father on a train in Surrey said he was "innocent until proven guilty" as he appeared in court.

Darren Shane Pencille is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed 51 year old Lee Pomeroy, who was travelling to London with his 14-year-old son, on Friday.

35 year old Pencille, from Farnham, appeared in the dock at Staines Magistrates' Court wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and glasses during a hearing which lasted just over two minutes this morning.

He is charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

The defendant spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and that he was a British national, adding that he did not have an address.

He also addressed the magistrates from his seat and said: "Innocent until proven guilty."

Helen Mattey, chair of the bench, remanded Pencille in custody to appear at Guilford Crown Court this afternoon.

27 year old Chelsea Mitchell, also appeared in court charged with assisting an offender. She also wore a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth, address and that she is British.

According to the charge, she helped the alleged killer leave the scene and change his appearance.

Mitchell, also from Farnham, indicated a not guilty plea and is set to appear alongside Pencille at Guilford Crown Court.

The court hearings come after Mr Pomeroy was pronounced dead in a train carriage at Horsley station after suffering multiple stab wounds. The weapon used in the attack has not been found.