Steve Constantinou, the man accused of murdering Johanna “Jazzy O” Martin – well-known Melbourne stripper and sex worker – has recently tried to strangle his stepmother, a court heard. Constantinou, 49, of Port Melbourne, was charged with murdering Ms Martin, a 65-year-old grandmother, on October 11 last year and stealing gold jewellery including chains, rings and bangles from her worth $33,000. This incident was said to have occurred before Constantinou strangled to death Ms Martin. The stepmother was no fan of Constantinou, as there were rumours he had taken money from his father. Family acquaintance Connie Galanakis told the Melbourne Magistrates Court Steve Constantinou’s stepmother claimed he had grabbed her around the neck during an argument. Ms Martin’s body was found in bushes wrapped in a blood-stained sheet next to a car park in Pickles Street, Port Melbourne. An autopsy later revealed she had died from ”neck compression” and forensic pathologist Dr Paul Bedford believed she had been strangled by being bound or tied up. Ms Galanakis, who had known Constantinou for most of her life, said Ms Martin claimed she had loaned him some money which he had not repaid. After Ms Martin’s murder, Ms Galanakis contacted CrimeStoppers anonymously to let police know Constantinou had owed her money. Ms Galanakis however did not tell police about the incident regarding the stepmother as it was her job to report it. The committal hearing was adjourned until Wednesday 19 September.