Man denies killing alleged ex-lover, court hears

Juan Francisco Toledo, 51, has denied the murder of Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, claiming he did not kill her or dispose of her body. The alleged murder took place at an office block on Grays Inn Road, with Mendez's body discovered in Hampshire on 7 June. Toledo, a Venezuelan national living in Crystal Palace, pleaded not guilty to both murder and perverting the course of justice during a hearing at the Old Bailey. The court heard that Toledo had a previous romantic relationship with Mendez, who was originally from Colombia. He was arrested on 4 June, just days before her body was found, and charged with murder shortly thereafter.

His trial is slated to commence on 20 April next year. The case has garnered attention due to the personal connection between the defendant and the victim. Such violent incidents in central London raise concerns about workplace safety and personal relationships.