Alexander Pacteau charged with murder of Karen Buckley

Alexander Pacteau was today charged with the murder of Caledonian student Karen Buckley.

The 21-year-old left The Sanctuary with Karen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Pacteau told police Karen went back to his flat where they were “intimate” and she left alone at 4am.

Karen’s remains were then found on High Craigton Farm on Wednesday evening.

Pacteau, from Glasgow, is also charged with “attempting to defeat the ends of justice”.

He entered no plea or declaration and will appear in court again next week.

Karen, who was in her first year studying Occupational Therapy, went missing after a night out on Saturday.

The 24-year-old from Cork in Ireland was last seen in Sanctuary, Dumbarton Road, before she left the club with Alexander Pacteau around 1am.

Pacteau previously told police she came back to his flat, where they were “intimate”, and she left alone at 4am.

Her bag was later found dumped in Dawsholm Park on Tuesday.

Pacteau was not considered a suspect at the time.

A Crown Office spokesperson said: “Alexander Pacteau, 21, from Glasgow, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court today charged with the murder of Karen Buckley, and with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

“He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

“It is anticipated he will appear again next week for a further hearing.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage in proceedings.”