A 44-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Bodmin on Wednesday charged with the murder of 17-year-old Patricia Berriman whose body was found earlier this week at an isolated cottage near Tideford.

Patricia, better known as 'Trish', was the adopted daughter of Alan and Patricia Berriman of Pillaton, who said, in a statement through the police, that they were heartbroken by the 'devastating loss' of their vibrant daughter.

Stanley John Matthews, who had been living at Brandispiece Cottage, near Leigh Farm, Blunts, was charged by the police with murder on Tuesday evening, after being held in custody at Charles Cross police station.

Neighbour

The body of Trish, a keen horsewoman and former Saltash community college pupil, was found at around 8.20pm on Sunday following a call to police from a concerned neighbour. It is believed Trish moved away from Pillaton about May.

Residents of Tideford were still trying to comprehend the news this week. Many described her as a quiet, pleasant person.

Friend, Lisa Dolley, said she was a 'fantastic girl' who would be sorely missed, and had been very much loved by her adoptive parents.

Local parish priest, Father Tim Lamb, said it had been a huge shock, and added that prayers had been said for Trish, who had just started working at the China Fleet club in Saltash.

Magistrates remanded Matthews in custody for six days, the case being adjourned until October 17.