Kevin Kerjean, 31, is accused of the murder of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and sexual assault of a child under 13
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his two-year-old daughter in Surrey.
Kevin Kerjean, 31, who Surrey Police said is a French national born in the Central African Republic, is also accused of rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.
Kerjean only spoke to confirm his name and sat with his hand covering his face for much of Monday’s hearing at Guildford Crown Court.
Surrey Police said today: “We can confirm that the victim was the daughter of Kevin Kerjean.”
Officers were called to a property in Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, at around 5.40pm on Thursday, following concerns raised over safety, where the girl was subsequently found dead, reports the Mirror.
Surrey Police said officers believe the incident took place within a family setting.
Kerjean made his first appearance at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he was remanded ahead of Monday’s crown court hearing.
Judge Patricia Lees ordered that he next appear in custody for a pre-trial preparation hearing on September 14, with a three-week trial provisionally scheduled to begin on January 4 at Guildford Crown Court.
Surrey Police confirmed on Sunday that the Home Office had previously stated Kerjean legally entered the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020.
He was granted leave to remain in the UK in March 2021 and subsequently received an extension permitting him to remain until March 2031.
The force also clarified that speculation circulating online suggesting the incident occurred in an asylum seeker house of multiple occupancy (HMO) is “incorrect”.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said today: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s mother and extended family, as well as all those who knew her.
“Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened, and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days.
“We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents and we would like to thank them for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation.”
On Friday, floral tributes were placed at the entrance to Syward Place, a residential block situated on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.
