A couple have admitted to disposing of the body of a French nanny by burning it, but deny murdering her.

The charred remains of Sophie Lionnet, 21, were found in the garden of a house in Southfields, south west London, on 20 September last year.

Police were initially unable to identify the body due to its condition.

They later confirmed it was Ms Lionnet, of Wandsworth, who was originally from Troyes in north east France.

Designer Sabrina Kouider, 34, and her partner Ouissem Medouni, 40, of Wandsworth, deny murdering the nanny on or before 20 September.


Image: Ouissem Medouni (L) and Sabrina Kouider deny murdering Sophie Lionnet

They admitted at the Old Bailey on Friday to a second charge of perverting the course of justice by attempting to "dispose of the body of Sophie Lionnet by burning".

Kouider, wearing a white shirt and black blazer, appeared tearful as she sat in the dock.

A French interpreter helped her follow the hearing.

Medouni, wearing a burgundy jumper, paused for a moment before entering a guilty plea to perverting the course of justice.

The couple face a five-week trial starting on 19 March.