Teacher stabbed to death in ‘prolonged and frenzied’ attack at her home

A teacher was stabbed 54 times in a ‘prolonged and frenzied’ attack at her south London home, a court heard. 

Gemma Devonish, 42, who worked as head of year at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, was found dead at her home in Nutfield Close, Carshalton, on Thursday. 

Her partner James Madden, 38, of Railton Road, Lambeth, appeared in custody the Old Bailey charged with her murder this morning. 

Dressed in prison issue grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his age, date of birth and address from the dock. 

Prosecutor Philip McGee told the court that he and Ms Devonish had been involved in a ‘long term domestic relationship’ and had been partners for more than a decade. 

He told the court: ‘The defendant was charged with the murder of Gemma Devonish and appears on that charge.’ 

Mr McGee described how the victim had not turned up at school and colleagues had raised the alarm.

Neighbours also noticed that her car unusually was still parked outside her home when she had normally driven off to school in the morning. 

Her mother and sister rushed to her home in Nutfield Close to check on her after being alerted. 

The prosecutor said: ‘The deceased’s mother and sister found her unresponsive in a pool of blood.

‘A large kitchen knife was found next to the body.’

He told the court that a preliminary post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was stab wounds to the neck, chest and abdomen. 

The prosecutor said there were a total of 54 wounds on Ms Devonish’s body. 

He added: ‘It must have been a prolonged and frenzied attack to inflict 54 wounds on the body of the deceased.’

The court was told ‘bloody’ palm prints were found on the wall of the property.

A dropped emergency call was also made around the time of the attack, the court heard. 

Madden was remanded in custody to appear again at the Old Bailey on 4 February. 

A service of prayer for Ms Devonish was held at Epsom Christ Church on Monday. 

In a statement on Facebook church leaders wrote that they were ‘shocked and saddened’ by the teacher’s death. 

They added: ‘There will space for prayer and reflection as we give thanks for Gemma’s life, grieve her loss and pray for her family, friends and students.’

Rosebery School previously said staff and pupils were ‘devastated by the sudden and unexpected death’.

In a statement the school said: ‘Our thoughts are with Gemma’s mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.’

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