Tabak 'joked about Joanna inquiry'

Vincent Tabak joked about the Joanna Yeates murder investigation at dinner parties, a court heard today.

The 33-year-old calmly discussed the case with friends, “light-heartedly” suggesting police looked for a body in his drawer, the jury was told.

During the police hunt in January, Tabak is said to have told partygoers that the killer must have been a “totally crazy detached person”.

Solicitor Sarah Maddock said Tabak and girlfriend Tanja Morson were planning marriage and a family.

Ms Maddock, a mother-of-two, said he was acting normally and was typically tactile with Miss Morson at a dinner party in the St Andrews area of Bristol on January 15.

Party host Andrew Lillie also discussed the case with Tabak, who has since admitted manslaughter but denied murder.

In a police statement read out in court, Mr Lillie said he had been discussing Miss Yeates with Miss Morson.

“Vincent just said a small remark about opening a drawer so they could look for a body,” Mr Lillie added.

As Ms Maddock speculated that the murder was mystifying, Tabak joined the conversation, Bristol Crown Court heard.

She added: “I think I remember Vincent agreed with the statement and may have added ’either that or someone must have to be a totally crazy person to have done something like that’.”