Justice statue
A London mother of three has appeared at the Old Bailey charged with the murder of an alleged sex offender Getty

A London mother-of-three has appeared at the Old Bailey charged with stabbing to death alleged sex offender Mike Pleasted.

Pleasted, 77, was fatally knifed in the chest at his third floor flat in Drew Road, Silvertown, east London on 29 November.

The pensioner had two weeks earlier appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court charged with alleged sex offences on someone aged under 18.

However, after being remanded to appear at the court in February, Pleasted will never face justice after he was stabbed to death.

A 31-year-old mother-of-three, whom was allegedly known to Pleasted and cannot be named be legal reasons, today (3 December) appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. She will stand trial next May.

Parents from Silvertown had reportedly told their children to stay away from Pleasted's home, where he had lived for 15 years.

A Metropolitan Police Service spokesman said: "A 31-year-old woman was charged with the murder of a 77-year-old man on 29 November in Drew Road.

"She was further charged with possession of an offensive weapon. At this early stage, police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

"Although not related, the suspect and victim are believed to be known to each other."