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Laureline Garcia-Bertaux death: Friends were 'alarmed' by texts Laureline Garcia-Bertaux death: Friends were 'alarmed' by texts
(10 days later)
A friend of a French film producer who was found buried in a shallow grave in her garden became suspicious after she received "strange" messages from her phone, a court has heard.A friend of a French film producer who was found buried in a shallow grave in her garden became suspicious after she received "strange" messages from her phone, a court has heard.
Kirill Belorusov, 32, is accused of killing Laureline Garcia-Bertaux at her London home and then sending texts from her mobile to cover his tracks.Kirill Belorusov, 32, is accused of killing Laureline Garcia-Bertaux at her London home and then sending texts from her mobile to cover his tracks.
Beth Penman told the Old Bailey she became "confused" by the messages about a shopping spree and a "fit" vet.Beth Penman told the Old Bailey she became "confused" by the messages about a shopping spree and a "fit" vet.
Mr Belorusov denies murder.Mr Belorusov denies murder.
On 5 March, the 34-year-old was found naked, bound, wrapped in bin bags and buried in a flower bed in the back garden of her flat in Kew.On 5 March, the 34-year-old was found naked, bound, wrapped in bin bags and buried in a flower bed in the back garden of her flat in Kew.
The jury was told Ms Penman became concerned after receiving "confusing" messages from her close friend's phone days before she was found.The jury was told Ms Penman became concerned after receiving "confusing" messages from her close friend's phone days before she was found.
One described Ms Garcia-Bertaux going on a shopping spree in Oxford Street, which Ms Penman said was "completely" surprising because her friend preferred shopping online.One described Ms Garcia-Bertaux going on a shopping spree in Oxford Street, which Ms Penman said was "completely" surprising because her friend preferred shopping online.
Further texts mentioned how she wanted to be "young and hot again", while another on 3 March spoke about meeting a "fit" vet.Further texts mentioned how she wanted to be "young and hot again", while another on 3 March spoke about meeting a "fit" vet.
When asked by prosecutor Oliver Glasgow QC whether it was "the kind of thing Laureline might do?", Ms Penman replied: "No. It seemed far-fetched to me."When asked by prosecutor Oliver Glasgow QC whether it was "the kind of thing Laureline might do?", Ms Penman replied: "No. It seemed far-fetched to me."
She also told Mr Glasgow that she was alarmed by the messages.She also told Mr Glasgow that she was alarmed by the messages.
Prosecutors have told the court Mr Belorusov owed the victim thousands of pounds, and he had tricked his way into her home where he strangled her.Prosecutors have told the court Mr Belorusov owed the victim thousands of pounds, and he had tricked his way into her home where he strangled her.
The jury has also heard the 32-year-old was captured on CCTV buying an axe, rubble sacks and plastic clogs in Homebase, which he used to dispose of her body.The jury has also heard the 32-year-old was captured on CCTV buying an axe, rubble sacks and plastic clogs in Homebase, which he used to dispose of her body.
Following the murder, Mr Belorusov fled to Estonia, his home country, but was brought back to Britain to face trial, prosecutors have said. Following the murder, Mr Belorusov fled to Estonia but was brought back to Britain to face trial, prosecutors have said.
The trial continues.The trial continues.