Pair deny murder of Kilkenny’s World Champion Irish Dancer in London
A 25-year-old man and teenage woman have both denied murdering a World Champion Irish dancer from Kilkenny at his South London last summer.
Joel Osei (25) and Diana Cristea (18), both of no fixed abode denied the charge of murder of Adrian Murphy (43) when they appeared via video link at the Old Bailey in London late yesterday afternoon.
Adrian Murphy (43), from Maudlin Street in Kilkenny city, was found dead in a flat in Battersea, South London on June 4 last year.
Last September police in London arrested 25-year-old Joel Osei (no fixed abode) in connection with Adrian’s death.
Osei was initially charged with two counts of poisoning or administering a substance to endanger life, two counts of theft, and six counts of fraud by false representation.
Last December Metropolitan Police charged Osei with Adrian Murphy’s murder.
Last month an 18-year-old woman, Diana Cristea appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murdering Adrian Murphy.
She was also charged with poisoning by administering a substance to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm in a separate incident against another man in north London, on May 30 2019.
Ms Cristea also faces two counts of theft and two counts of fraud in relation to both victims, after their bank cards were used to purchase technology and other luxury items.
Both accused were not at the Old Bailey yesterday but appeared via video link from Belmarsh Prison. Both have been remanded to reappear in the Old Bailey on May 18th.
Adrian Murphy was a seven-time Irish dancing champion who produced and choreographed a number of top shows, including Feet of Fire and Firedance.
He also taught, worked on holiday programs, hosted dance classes, and delivered workshops and masterclasses in Ireland, Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
Adrian Murphy was laid to rest in his native Kilkenny besides his parents on July 17 last.
