ENGLISH NEWS: ‘Beautiful girl’ raped and strangled to death before being dumped in pond

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman who was found dead after she walked home from a concert had been raped and strangled before her body was dumped in a pond and covered in branches.

The remains of Keeley Bunker were discovered near woodland at Wigginton Park in Staffordshire on September 19.

Her friends and family had launched a frantic search for Keeley who failed to return home after watching a concert by her favourite rapper at the O2 Arena in Birmingham the night before.

Today (December 16), Wesley Streete, 19, appeared at Stafford Crown Court charged with the murder and rape of Keeley. Wearing a dark blue sweater, the teenager remained emotionless in the dock and spoke only to plead not guilty to both charges.

The public gallery was packed with the young woman’s loved ones who remained silent as details of her death was read out during the 45-minute hearing. After the horrifying revelations, Judge Michael Chambers QC told Mr Streete:

“Your case is being adjourned further as I have heard it’s no longer possible to try this matter in March. The likelihood is it will be tried on July 13.

“I am required to warn you if you choose not to attend your trial, it may happen in your absence and you may be unrepresented.” 

“Your case is being adjourned further as I have heard it’s no longer possible to try this matter in March. The likelihood is it will be tried on July 13.

“I am required to warn you if you choose not to attend your trial, it may happen in your absence and you may be unrepresented.”

Keeley’s death sent shockwaves through her local community where hundreds of people gathered at her funeral as her hometown was decked out in pink ribbons as a mark of remembrance to the young woman. Her family said in a statement ahead of her service:

“Keeley was a bright, caring, beautiful girl who touched the hearts of the people closest to her.

“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the countless well wishes & sympathies we have received and of course the efforts that have been made in numerous events, including colouring our town pink.”