Sophie Lionnet: Woman accused of killing French au pair with partner screams ‘I haven’t done anything’ in court

Murder victim understood to be nanny Sophie Lionnet, who had been working for couple

Tuesday 12 December 2017 08:03 EST

Court artist sketch of Ouissem Medouni 40, and his partner Sabrina Kouider, 34, appearing at the Old Bailey in London (PA)

A woman who stands accused with her partner for the murder of a person thought to be their nanny shouted in French as she appeared in court on the charge, claiming to be innocent.

Sabrina Kouider, 34, became emotional and incoherent when she appeared at the Old Bailey alongside her partner Ouissem Medouni, 40.

She sobbed in court and shouted repeatedly: “J’ai rien fait” – I haven’t done anything.

The pair, both of Wimbledon Park Road, Wandsworth, south London, are charged with murdering a person unknown on or before 20 September.

An unidentified body was discovered in the back garden of a house in Southfields, south-west London, last Wednesday afternoon.

Police have been unable to tell the age or gender of the victim because the body was so badly burned.

However, she has been named in reports as French nanny Sophie Lionnet, who is said to have worked for Ms Kouider.

The defendants appeared before Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC via video link from prison for a brief hearing to set a timetable for the case.

Ms Kouider appeared on-screen from HPM Bronzefield, wearing all black with her dark hair pulled into a high bun.

She wept noisily during the hearing and said: “J’ai rien fait.”

She added: “I can’t hear, I have a headache.”

Balding Mr Medouni appeared from Wandsworth prison in a pale blue sweater and remained impassive throughout.

They were assisted by a French interpreter in court and when asked to confirm their names, replied: “Oui.”

Judge Hilliard set a plea and case management hearing for 12 December with a four-week trial starting on 19 March next year.

In the meantime, the defendants were remanded in custody.