Student Lets Stepfather Into Dorm Before Alleged Murder, Trial Hears

Footage released in court shows a 19-year-old university student admitting her stepfather into her campus accommodation in the early hours of February 4, his face obscured by a blanket. The student, Carla Georgescu, a second-year clinical psychology student at the University of Lancashire, was allegedly murdered by her stepfather, Nathan Owens, 34, who prosecutors claim drove more than 100 miles from their home in Hartlepool, County Durham, to her dorm in Preston.

Owens allegedly told Georgescu he needed her mother's purse, which had been left behind during an earlier birthday meal. CCTV captured Georgescu, wearing pajamas and a dressing gown, letting Owens into Ribble Hall, her student accommodation, around 4 a.m. He was seen leaving the building approximately 90 minutes later, reportedly using an umbrella and face mask to conceal himself, while wearing Georgescu's trainers and carrying bags.

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Prosecutors contend that Owens' actions were motivated by "sexual jealousy" after learning that Georgescu planned to meet a man she had been romantically involved with online. The trial at Preston Crown Court has heard allegations that Owens developed an "escalating fascination" with his stepdaughter, including claims of engaging in sexual activity with a life-sized effigy dressed in her nightgown.

After leaving the university campus, Owens allegedly stopped to dispose of items, including bedding, which were later found to contain traces of Georgescu's DNA. His wife, Janina, Georgescu's mother, testified that Owens did not mention his late-night trip when she awoke later that morning. Concern grew when Georgescu did not respond to calls and messages. On February 5, the day that would have been Georgescu's 20th birthday, her mother contacted university security for a welfare check.

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University staff discovered Georgescu's body slumped against her wardrobe door with a belt around her neck. Initially, authorities suspected suicide. Owens was arrested the day after her body was found, with his DNA also discovered at the scene.

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The prosecution alleges that Owens had become "sexually fixated" on Georgescu, describing her death as the culmination of a "one-sided sexual obsession." Evidence presented to the court included claims that Owens had taken photos of Georgescu without her knowledge, filmed himself with dolls and toys, including the effigy, and manipulated an image of her to appear sexual. He also allegedly created videos using sex toys and accessed images of Georgescu for sexual gratification.

Owens has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, intentional strangulation, and grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial is ongoing.