Accused 'unaware model was dead'

Mark Dixie denies murdering Miss Bowman

The man accused of killing teenage model Sally Anne Bowman did not realise she was dead until after he had sex with her body, the Old Bailey heard.

Mark Dixie, 37, denies killing the 18-year-old in Croydon, south London, during a sex attack, in September 2005.

He claims he found her in the driveway of her home after she was attacked.

Her body was found in a pool of blood after being stabbed seven times. DNA found on her body matched samples taken from Mr Dixie.

'Unattractive defence'

The court heard he moved to Australia in 1998, where his DNA was found on a Thai student who was the victim of a brutal attack.

He has never been charged in connection with the offence and denies any involvement.

Sally Anne Bowman was stabbed seven times

Commenting on the charge of murdering Miss Bowman, Anthony Glass QC, defending, said: "It is, you may think, a very unattractive defence.

"He did not know she was dead until intercourse was concluded.

"Even though you may think his conduct is disgusting, he allowed his lust to get the better of him."

A ban on the publication of images and photographs of Dixie was lifted by the judge at the end of the prosecution case.