A factory worker has appeared in court charged with murdering the teenage daughter of a senior policeman.

Dellwyn James, 31, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a two-minute hearing at Hastings magistrates court.

James, of Chiltern Drive, Hastings, is accused of murdering his former partner Rae Torbet, 19, at her flat in Cantelupe Road, Bexhill.

She was discovered with knife wounds by a colleague from HSBC bank, who called on Friday after she failed to turn up for work in Hailsham.

Bank clerk Miss Torbet was a former head girl at Bexhill High School and the daughter of Detective Chief Inspector Jim Torbet, head of CID in Eastbourne.

Mr Torbet, who is 48 and divorced, has a son of 17.

He joined Sussex Police in 1980 and has also worked in Brighton, Hove and for the Regional Crime Squad.

He led the investigation into the murder of Billy Carmichael in his Brighton home in 2000.

Two defendants were jailed for life.

Wreaths from Miss Torbet's friends were yesterday left in front of her flat but colleagues were too distressed to talk.

Several were in tears as they paused in silence at the spot and some made the sign of the cross.

One tribute said: "To Dear Rae, You were loved by all." Another said: "We will all miss you".

David Cowley, assistant headteacher of Bexhill High School in Down Road, said: "Rae was a very popular member of the society of which we are part.

"She was a very well- respected and well-liked head girl, a very bubbly character, very lively, popular with students and staff alike. She was an excellent ambassador for the school."

James was remanded in custody by magistrates.

He will appear at Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on April 10.