The boss of a woman from Harlesden whose body was found in a suitcase dumped in a canal has paid tribute to his “honest” member of staff.
The body of Marta Ligman, of Buckingham Road, was found in the luggage recovered from the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice on Sunday afternoon.
The 23-year-old Polish national worked as a cashier at Delicja Polish Delicatessen in High Street, a five minute walk from her home.
Levent Camlar, who owns the store, told the Times she was a good member of staff.
He said: “She’s has been working here for the last three years as a cashier six days a week and was really good.
“She was a honest person, a very smart girl and I didn’t have any problems with her.”
Describing Ms Ligman as a small woman who weighed just seven stones, he added: “She text me on April 27 to say she had to go to Poland because her mum was sick with ‘sorry I don’t know when I’ll be back’.
“I heard nothing after that.”
Ms Ligman is believed to have come to the UK from Trzeciewiec in Poland three years ago.
Thomasz Kocik, 38, of Buckingham Road, who is believed to be Ms Ligman’s partner, has appeared in court today charged with her murder.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.
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