The distraught family of a Kingston girl who was murdered has paid tribute to Celine Dookhran and expressed their confidence in receiving justice.
Two men appeared at the Old Bailey today following the murder, rape and kidnap of 20-year-old Celine Dookhran.
Mujahid Hussain (aka Arshid), 33, of no fixed address was charged on July 23 with the murder.
He was further charged with the rape, attempted murder and kidnap of a second victim, a woman aged in her 20s.
A statement from the family of Miss Dookhran said: “Celine Dookhran was an amazingly talented and loving daughter who brought happiness, joy and laughter to her family and friends.
“We are proud of Celine for everything she had achieved and were looking forward to seeing a loving, caring and innocent young girl fulfil her potential in life and carry on making us proud.
“We thank all those who have offered their support, however we would like to ask the media, press and others to respect the privacy of both victims and their immediate families, so that they can attempt to deal with the shock, trauma and grief in private.
“We have sincere belief and full confidence that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
“We would like to reiterate our thanks to all that have offered their support and ask everyone to pray for both victims and their immediate families, and that the vile individuals involved face the full weight of justice upon them.”
Vincent Tappu, 28 of Spencer Road, Ealing was charged with the kidnap of Miss Dookhran and the second victim.
They both appeared at the Old Bailey today for a preliminary hearing. No pleas were entered, but a trial date has been set for January 17 2018.
Miss Dookhran’s body was found at an address in Kingston on July 19. Formal identification took place on July 24.
A post-mortem examination carried out at Kingston Mortuary on July 21, gave cause of death as an incised wound to the neck.
Miss Dookhran’s family are being supported by a family liaison officer.
A 29-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in relation to this case was released under investigation on July 20.
