Marvin Samuels appeared via video link at the Old Bailey

A man accused of stabbing his partner to death in Stonebridge has been charged with raping and trying to kill a stranger earlier on the same day.

Marvin Samuels, of Conduit Way, Stonebridge, is accused of stabbing mother-of-four Sharlana Diedrick to death before leaving her body in a parked car in James Dudson Court, Wyborne Way.

The victim was found with stab wounds at around 11pm on September 29 last year.

However, hours earlier, he is also alleged to have attacked and tried to rape a second woman at the Welsh Harp Reservoir in Neasden.

Samuels, 31, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from prison for a plea and case management hearing.

He has not yet entered pleas to the charges of the murder of Ms Diedrick, and the attempted murder, rape and grievous bodily harm with intent of the other victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The hearing has been adjourned until March 8 while Samuels remains in custody.

Samuels was arrested and charged with the murder of Sharlana Diedrick on October 1 last year following the incident on September 29.

Ms Diedrick, 32 who was living in Watford, left behind two sons and two daughters aged between three and fourteen.