A MAN accused of the murder of a 28-year-old Southampton woman has appeared in court.

Abdelaziz El Yechioui Ourzat, 29, has been charged with the alleged murder of 28-year-old Cristina Ortiz-Lozano.

It comes after Ms Ortiz-Lozano’s body was found at her home address on Spear Road, Southampton just before 10pm on Saturday, September 21.

Ourzat appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he spoke only to confirm his name.

He did not enter a plea at yesterday’s hearing.

Ourzat is now due to appear at Winchester Crown Court for his next hearing on October 4.

Following the news of the decision to charge Ourzat on suspicion of Cristina’s murder, Bernadette Kearney, senior lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “Following a careful review of the evidence I have authorised the police to charge Abdelaziz El Yechioui Ourzat, 29, from Southampton with the murder of Cristina Ortiz-Lozano, 28.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“There should be no sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Following her death, Ms Ortiz-Lozano’s family released a statement saying: “We will never forget your vitality, your happiness or your determination to achieve your goals.

“You always gave the best of yourself to your family, your doggies, your dreams.”