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Man accused of murdering Lee Pomeroy on Surrey train says he is ‘innocent until proven guilty’

Written by on 08/01/2019

A man accused of murdering a father on a train in Surrey said he was “innocent until proven guilty” as he appeared in court.

Darren Shane Pencille is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed Lee Pomeroy, 51, on Friday.

Pencille, 35, from Farnham, appeared in the dock at Staines Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and glasses during a hearing which lasted just over two minutes this morning.

He is charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

The defendant spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and that he was a British national, adding that he did not have an address.

He also addressed the magistrates from his seat and said: “Innocent until proven guilty.”

Chelsea Mitchell, 27, also appeared at the court charged with assisting an offender. She wore a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth, address and that she is British.

According to the charge, she helped the alleged killer leave the scene and change his appearance.

Mitchell, also from Farnham, indicated a not guilty plea.

Both Mitchell and Pencille appeared later on Monday afternoon at Guilford Crown Court.

Mitchell blew a kiss to those in the public gallery as she left the dock following a short hearing.

Pencille nodded to confirm his identity and stood quietly as the judge addressed him.

They were both remanded in custody to appear by a prison video-link at the crown court on 7 February.

The court hearings come after Mr Pomeroy was pronounced dead in a train carriage at Horsley station after suffering multiple stab wounds. The weapon used in the incident has not been found.

A manhunt followed and arrests were made on Saturday morning.

Mr Pomeroy, who lived in Guildford and owned an IT firm, was described by his family as “an honourable man who would always help somebody who was in trouble”.

His relatives said he had died the day before his 52nd birthday and described him as a man who “did everything for his family.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Man accused of murdering Lee Pomeroy on Surrey train says he is ‘innocent until proven guilty’