South Ealing stabbing: Man, 29, appears in court accused of killing Ania Jedrkowiak in alley

A university student, killed as she walked home from work with a friend, was attacked by a knifeman in a balaclava who tried to decapitate her, a court heard.

Ania Jedrkowiak, 21, was walking through an alleyway after finishing a shift at a restaurant just after midnight when she was killed, the Old Bailey heard.

Her friend fled and called police following the deadly attack in Roberts Alley, South Ealing, on May 17.

Deana Heer QC, prosecuting, said: “The victim in this case was a Polish national who had come to this country to study at Westminster University in around 2020.

“The attacker was wearing a balaclava and holding a kitchen knife.

“He grabbed her and stabbed her several times in the stomach and neck, in a way which was consistent with a large knife being used to saw at the victim’s neck in an apparent attempt to decapitate her.”

Dennis Akpomedaye, Blewitt Street, Newport, South Wales, has been charged with murder.

It is understood that Akpomedaye, 29, knew the victim.

Appearing at the Old Bailey today via video link from HMP Wandsworth in a grey prison t-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was not asked to and did not enter any plea to the charge.

His lawyer Kerim Fuad QC did not object to his client being remanded back into custody.

Akpomedaye will next appear in court on August 8 when he is expected to enter a plea.

A trial date was set for 15 May next year and is expected to last two to three weeks.

Police are appealing for more witnesses to come forward.

Det Ch Insp Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer, said: “Ania’s life was taken in the most tragic of circumstances and her family are understandably completely devastated by what has happened.

“My team of detectives have already made significant progress, however I believe there may be people with information who we have not yet spoken to and I am keen to speak with them as soon as possible”.