A MAN has denied murdering a student whose body was found in the boot of a burnt-out car.

Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw pleaded not guilty to murdering Brighton University student Janet Müller, 21, when he appeared at court via a video link on Friday.

Miss Müller’s charred remains were found by firefighters after a member of the public spotted the smoking vehicle near the grounds of a golf club.

Mr Jeffrey-Shaw, 26, of Lakeside, Beckenham, London, appeared before Guildford Crown Court via a video link from prison where he is on remand.

Wearing tracksuit bottoms and a sports top, he responded “I plead not guilty” to the charge of murder.

Emergency services recovered the remains of the alleged murder victim from a Volkswagen Jetta car found in Rusper Road, Ifield, near Ifield Golf Club, Crawley, shortly after 2.30pm on March 13.

The lane, which runs off the main road, was taped off with three officers standing guard while forensic experts wearing white boiler suits combed the area for clues.

Miss Müller, from Germany, was studying at the university’s Eastbourne campus and had gone missing from Mill View Hospital, in Hove, at about 10.15pm the night before.

Her family paid tribute to her in a statement shortly after her death, saying: “Janet was a much-loved daughter and twin sister and words can’t describe how much pain we as a family are in right now.

“She was always there for us and was someone that always made us smile and laugh no matter what.

“Janet was a very inspirational, passionate and caring person.

"Throughout her life she always cared deeply for her friends and her family.

“This tragic event has left a deep hole in the hearts of all that knew her. She will be deeply missed and always remembered for her energetic, fun, bubbly and vibrant personality.

“We are overwhelmed with the love and support that we have received from Janet’s friends worldwide. Janet would have been so happy knowing how much she was loved.”

A pre-trial review hearing in Mr Jeffrey-Shaw’s case is due to be held on November 6 and the trial is likely to be in February 2016.