THE man arrested on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend while the couple enjoyed their first holiday together has today appeared in court.

Chris Chittock, of Alnesbourn Crescent, Ipswich appeared this morning in front of magistrates at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich charged with perverting the course of justice.

The specific wording of the charge laid against Chittock in court was: “It is alleged that between July 11 and July 13 at Ipswich with intent to pervert the course of justice you did a series of acts, namely you sent messages with the intention of persuading persons that the deceased was alive and well thus precluding the matter being reported to the authorities which had a tendency to pervert the course of justice.”

He was committed to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on July 27. No bail was granted.

Edward Draper, chairman of the bench said: “We are sending this matter to the crown court where you will appear on July 27 at 10am.

“Until that time you will be remanded in custody.”

The 36-year-old was yesterday charged with perverting the course of justice after police confirmed the body of a woman found in the sea off Gran Canaria on July 7 is that of 23-year-old Sarah Shields from Ipswich.

The pair had been on a two week holiday staying at the resort’s Balito Beach Apartments. Spanish police have been at the hotel as part of their investigation.

Chittock and Miss Shields were expected to return home together last Sunday.

Chittock was yesterday bailed on suspicion of his girlfriend’s murder after being questioned for two days by detectives from Suffolk police.

He is due to return to Ipswich police station at 10am on Wednesday, September 15 to answer his bail.