Man ‘found dead in suitcase’ four days after alleged murder
The body of a man suspected to have been murdered was found inside a suitcase in a cupboard four days after he was alleged to have been killed, a court has heard.Margate magistrates were told the alleged circumstances of the discovery as two people appeared in the dock in connection with Nathan Jermy’s death.Nathan Jermy was found dead in a property in Margate High StreetBradley Cooper, 40, is accused of murder, while Ashleigh Muir, 33, has been charged with assisting an offender.Prosecutors told the court Mr Jermy’s body was found in a yellow suitcase in the bathroom of Muir’s flat in High Street, Margate, on Thursday, June 11.Cooper is alleged to have murdered 31-year-old Mr Jermy on June 7, with Muir accused of concealing his body and cleaning the scene with the “intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution” of Cooper.Lucie Fish, prosecuting, said: "On June 11, the deceased was found at the home address of Ashleigh Muir. [His body] was found in a yellow suitcase in a bathroom cupboard and draws had been placed in front of the cupboard." Police were called to the flat following reports of “concern for a person”.Four arrests have been made in connection with the suspected murder of Nathan Jermy, who was found dead in a flat in Margate High Street. Picture: GoogleMr Jermy, who had been reported missing after failing to return calls or turn up at work, was pronounced dead at the scene.Cooper, 40, of Eaton Road, Margate, was arrested later that day and charged with murder yesterday (Sunday). He appeared before magistrates this morning and spoke only to confirm his name and address.Lucie Fish, prosecuting, told the bench the case needed to be sent to Maidstone Crown Court, with Cooper remanded in custody again until a hearing on Wednesday.Muir, 33, also appeared separately from custody at the same court today, charged with assisting an offender.She too spoke only to confirm personal details and was remanded again to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.Family members of Cooper and Mr Jermy were in court for the hearings.Mr Jermy’s family said yesterday they have been left "utterly devastated" by his death.Bradley Cooper and Ashleigh Muir appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court“The pain of losing Nathan is unbearable, and the circumstances surrounding his death have left our family struggling to comprehend what has happened,” they said."Like any family, there are moments when the anger feels overwhelming and when we want answers immediately, but we know the justice Nathan deserves must come through the police investigation and the courts." The family also thanked the many people who joined the search effort for Nathan, who was born in Ashford but lived in Margate.His relatives added: "Nathan was loved beyond words and will be missed every single day.”Two other arrests have been made in connection with Mr Jermy’s death.A 30-year-old man was released on bail pending further enquiries, while a 17-year-old girl remains in custody. The police investigation into Mr Jermy’s death remains ongoing.Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/ZY/15521/26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use its online form.
