Stepdad drove through the night and strangled student, 19, on what should have been her 20th birthday, trial hears
From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.
Nathan Owens, 34, is accused of strangling his stepdaughter Carla Georgescu in her Preston university flat after developing a 'wholly improper and dangerously entrenched sexual obsession' with her, Preston Crown Court heard. Owens allegedly drove from Hartlepool in the early hours of February 4, tricking his way into her halls by claiming her mother had left her purse behind. Carla's body was discovered the following day — her 20th birthday — propped against a wardrobe, a leather belt pulled tight around her neck.
Prosecutor Nicholas Lumley KC told jurors Owens was driven by 'sexual jealousy' after learning Carla had arranged to meet an online boyfriend in person for the first time.
Owens pulled a blanket over his head as he neared the student block and left his car away from designated spaces — his stepdaughter's trainers were later found on his feet.
Carla's mother Janina was unaware of Owens's late-night journey to Preston, despite his claim to have been acting on her behalf.