Murder suspect pleads not guilty in case of missing Hertfordshire student Joy

A 40-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a missing University of Hertfordshire student.

Twenty-one-year-old Joy Morgan, who is studying midwifery, disappeared after attending a church celebration in Ilford, east London, on Boxing Day last year.

Her body has never been found but, in February, police charged Shohfah El-Israel, 40, from Cricklewood, north London, with her murder.

Today (Monday 6 June) he appeared at the Old Bailey.

He is alleged to have killed Ms Morgan between December 26 and December 30 2018.

The defendant appeared in court via video link from Bedford jail.

He spoke only to enter his not guilty plea before Mr Justice Edis.

El-Israel was remanded into custody ahead of his trial at St Albans Crown Court on 8 July before senior judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.

The trial is expected to go on for up to three weeks.