Stepfather Accused of Murder Declines to Testify

Nathan Owens, 34, accused of murdering 19-year-old student Carla Georgescu, has opted not to give evidence in his own defense, the jury at Preston Crown Court heard. Prosecutors allege that Owens strangled Georgescu in February after driving over 100 miles to her student accommodation in Preston, Lancashire, driven by 'sexual jealousy' upon learning she planned to meet someone she knew online.

During the tenth day of the trial, Owens' barrister, John Elvidge KC, informed the jury of his client's decision. The trial judge, Mr. Justice Jacobs, confirmed that Owens had been advised that the jury could draw appropriate inferences from his failure to testify. Owens sat in the dock while his barrister conveyed the decision.

Evidence presented to the court includes CCTV footage from February 4, showing Georgescu, dressed in a dressing gown and pajamas, letting Owens into her student halls around 4 a.m. He is seen leaving approximately 90 minutes later, using an umbrella and face mask, carrying two bags and wearing Georgescu's trainers. He then allegedly drove back to Hartlepool, stopping to discard items, including bedding later found to contain traces of Georgescu's DNA.

Owens' wife, Janina, testified that he did not mention visiting her daughter that night. She became concerned when Carla did not respond to messages and calls. On February 5, the day that would have been Carla's 20th birthday, university security conducted a welfare check and found her body. Officers later attended the couple's home, where it was suggested that Carla may have died by suicide.

Hours after returning home, Owens allegedly conducted web searches on police investigation methods for suspicious deaths and wiped his electronic devices. He was arrested on February 7.

Owens had previously told his wife that he went to Preston because Carla needed incontinence pants and help tidying her room. The prosecution contends this was an attempt to mislead and cover his tracks, asserting that he brutally attacked Carla before fleeing, discarding evidence, and attempting to conceal his actions. Prosecutors allege Owens had developed a 'sexual fixation' with Carla, culminating in her death.

Evidence also suggests Owens took photos of Carla without her knowledge, filmed himself with dolls and toys in a sexual manner, and manipulated an image of her. Owens denies charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. A count of intentional strangulation was withdrawn by the judge, who stated it substantially duplicated the murder charge. The trial is scheduled to continue with closing speeches from the jury.