Colchester murder: Ertan Ersoy appears at magistrates court

Ertan Ersoy, 50, of Wickham Road, Colchester, faces a single charge of murder after the death of university lecturer Antonella Castelvedere last Wednesday.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court was told today how neighbours in Wickham Road, Colchester, heard screams for help from an address in the residential street at 11.15am.

Residents rushed to the front of the property and were allegedly told by Ersoy, 50, his wife had been hurt inside.

Lecturer - Antonella Castelvedere

One neighbour allegedly saw Ersoy clutching his stomach while another said he was “groaning” in pain.

Essex Police confirmed he was later taken to hospital for his injuries.

Another neighbour then entered the property and told the police during interview there was evidence of blood in the hallway, Lesla Small, prosecuting, told the court.

As concerned residents moved further into the property Colchester magistrates were told they saw a person laying on the floor not moving, with a trail of blood running through the house.

Scene - Wickham Road, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the efforts of paramedics and police officers, Antonella Castelvedere, an English literature lecturer at the University of Suffolk, was pronounced dead at 12.22pm.

Ersoy was arrested on suspicion of murder and later charged with the offence. He remained silent throughout police interview. He did not enter a plea to the charge.

District Judge Christopher Williams stated Ersoy will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow for a further hearing of the case.

He said: “You’ve been charged with murder, so I’m obliged to send you to crown court.”

Incident - Wickham Road was cordoned off

Det Chief Insp Antony Alcock said previously: “Although we have reached the point of charge, our dedicated team of detectives are continuing to gather accounts from witnesses and other evidence.

“My thanks go out to those who have helped us and we would welcome any more information others can offer."