Didcot: Man Denies Murder Of Jayden Parkinson

17 March 2014, 12:33

A man from Reading's pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jayden Parkinson in Didcot

Ben Blakeley from Reading admitted manslaughter over the death of 17 year old Jayden, whose body was discovered in a disturbed grave in Didcot 15 days after she was reported missing.

The 22 year old appeared at Oxford Crown Court and also admitted to perverting the course of justice and disposing of her clothing. He'll go on trial in June.

A 17 year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The body of Jayden Parkinson was found in the Great Western Cemetery next to All Saints Church, Didcot, on 18 December last year.

An initial post mortem carried by a Home Office pathologist proved inconclusive.

Toxicology tests results confirmed that the cause of death is consistent with pressure to the neck.

Meanwhile the police watchdog is investigating Thames Valley Police's response after Jayden's disappearance.

The matter was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission on the 14th December 2013 and an investigation is ongoing.