IPSWICH: The boyfriend of a woman whose body was found off the coast of a Spanish island was today due to appear in court charged with perverting the course of justice.

Chris Chittock, who was set to appear at Ipswich Crown Court, is currently on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of murdering 23-year-old Sarah Shields.

Miss Shields’ body was discovered off the southern coast of Gran Canaria on July 7.

She was reported missing on July 11 by her family after she failed to return home from her first holiday with 36-year-old Chittock.

Chittock, of Alnesbourn Crescent, Ipswich, entered no plea when he appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on July 16 accused of perverting the course of justice.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to flood in for Miss Shields, who was today remembered as a talented amateur dramatics performer by the Landseer Players group, of which she was previously a member.

In 2001, Miss Shields took to the stage for the theatre group’s production of Little Red Riding Hood.

She then shone as a double for Cinderella – wowing youngsters with her smile.

Lynne Mortimer and James Hayward, of the Landseer Players, said: “In 2002, Sarah was a dancer in the Landseer Players’ pantomime. A quiet, pretty girl, she loved to dance.

“Having directed pantomine for more than 25 years, we have always found it hard to get teenage girls to smile but when Sarah smiled, it was as if the sun had suddenly come out.

“The following year, Sarah was Cinderella’s double in the ballroom scene. It was a moment of magic for children in the audience.

“We have seen her at the pantos since then and had hoped to see her at many more. We were so sad to learn of her death.”

n Suffolk Constabulary have removed Sarah Shields’ Facebook profile after inappropriate messages were written on the site. While friends and families declared their sadness at their loss, others accessed the profile to write offensive statements about Miss Shields.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Police are aware of the comments made on Sarah Shields’ Facebook profile and it has now been shut down by our request.”

n Send us your messages of love for Sarah’s family and tributes to her. Call the Newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk