A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a mum who was allegedly strangled and beaten to death.
Maria Jane Rawlings, 45, was found dead in bushes outside a school in Romford, East London, by a dog walker last Tuesday.
Valentin Lazar, of Barking, east London, who is charged with committing murder on May 3, appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
He spoke only to confirm his personal details through a Romanian interpreter as he stood in the dock.
Lazar was ordered to next appear in custody at the Old Bailey on May 13, which will be his birthday.
Homicide detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.
A post-mortem examination at Walthamstow Mortuary last Wednesday gave a preliminary cause for Maria's death as neck compression and possible blunt force head trauma.
Police say Maria had attended the King George Hospital in Goodmayes, Ilford, on Monday evening.
She then left on foot on Barley Lane in the direction of the A12.
Cops believe she may have been approached while walking on this road.
Detective Chief Inspector David Hillier, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “My thoughts remain with Maria’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact police via the incident room on 020 8345 3865; via 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD3551/4May.”
Maria's family last week placed flowers next to a bush where her body was found.
One bouquet read: "Mummy. I love you now, forever and always. In this s*** world you made things brighter.
"Forever my angel. Your big baby."
A message from her grandsons read: "Nanny, we love you soo much, we will never forget you. Your boys."
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