A MAN accused of the murder of a Southampton woman has appeared in court before a judge.

Earlier this week Abdelaziz El Yechioui Ourzat, 29, was charged with the murder of 28-year-old Cristina Ortiz-Lozano.

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

Ourzat, of King George's Avenue, Southampton, appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday where he spoke only to confirm his name.

He did not enter a plea at the hearing.

Judge Keith Cutler, the Recorder of Winchester, told Ourzat he will be remanded in custody until his next appearance in Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, December 18 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

As previously reported, following Ms Ortiz-Lozano's death, a statement from her family said: "Cristina, you passed away too soon, to join your dog Noa.

"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.

"The word impossible was not in your vocabulary. We will always love you and miss you."