The brother of murdered Eastenders actress Gemma MCCluskie appeared in court on Monday morning (March 12, 2012), accused of killing the 29-year-old and dumping her headless torso in a London canal, reports the Independent newspaper.
Tony MCCluskie confirmed his name, address and date-of-birth during the short hearing at the Thames Magistrates Court this morning. Chair of the bench Cliff Lynn told MCCluskie that a bail hearing would take place within the next 48 hours, adding, "You are remanded in custody. A preliminary hearing has been provisionally set for March 26". The accused, appearing behind bullet proof glass, wore a long sleeved grey t-shirt. His sister played Kerry Skinner on Eastenders in 2001 - she went missing following an appearance at the opening of the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. Her former Eastenders co-stars immediately began an online campaign to help find her, with Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella both appealing for help on Twitter.
The actress's remains were discovered on Tuesday (March 6, 2012), when a member of the public reported a suspicious object floating in the Regents Canal - a short walk from Gemma's home. Flowers were left close to where the body was found, with one note reading, "Gemma, we will miss you always".