Man appears in court charged with murder of missing mum-of-three Khasha Smith

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a mum-of-three who disappeared in October.

Khasha Smith had officially been reported missing from Calder on January 5 but was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on October 10.

Last week, police said they believed Khasha to be dead. Her body is yet to be found.

John Byrne, 39, was charged with murder and an attempt to defeat the ends of justice when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Byrne, from Edinburgh, submitted no plea or declaration when he appeared in court.

He was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. His next appearance will be within eight days.

Detective chief inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is urging anyone with information regarding the mum’s disappearance to come forward.

He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of January 5, 2024.

“Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”