Tia Mariah McBean, 19, arriving at Stratford Magistrates’ Court today
A teenager is set to go on trial after allegedly sending a ‘cursed’ voodoo doll to her ex-boyfriend.
Stratford Magistrates’ Court heard Tia Mariah McBean, from Dalston in east London, wrote intimidating letters to Adrian Ranglin before delivering the effigy to him in February.
The 19-year-old was charged with intending to cause Mr Ranglin distress or anxiety, and faces three counts of sending an article with intent conveying a threatening message.
Two counts related to letters sent to Mr Ranglin on the 2 and 5 February, culminating in the voodoo doll allegedly sent on 10 February.
Practitioners of witchcraft make effigies of their target and stick pins in the doll to inflict sharp pains on the victim.
McBean appeared in court to confirm her identity and plead not guilty to the charges.
Sulochana Singh, prosecuting, said the case was suitable to remain at Stratford Magistrates Court for the trial on 21 November.
Tia Mariah McBean, from Dalston in east London, was charged with causing Adrian Ranglin distress or anxiety after allegedly sending him a ‘cursed’ voodoo doll
Fingerprint and DNA evidence are alleged to have linked McBean to the doll sent to Ranglin’s flat.
Proceedings were briefly interrupted when McBean accused a mysterious man in the public gallery of threatening her.
A tearful McBean said he was whispering threats.
The man quickly made off denying he had said anything, with security called to escort McBean out of the building.
District Judge Sonia Sims said: ‘You are released on unconditional bail until your trial at Stratford Magistrates Court.’
McBean denies one count of sending an article conveying a threatening message.
McBean pleaded not guilty to the charges and will go to a trial in November
Proceedings were briefly interrupted when McBean accused a mysterious man in the public gallery of threatening her
will appear at Stratford Magistrates’ Court (pictured) again for trial on November 21
Voodoo is an ancient West African religion practiced by more than 30 million people in Benin, Togo and Ghana.
Varying forms of the religion exist elsewhere in the world, including Haiti and the U.S.
Practitioners of voodoo believe that the world of humans is shared by the world of the spirits.
It is thought that spirits can impact the world of the living, bringing good or bad luck.
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