A woman has appeared in court charged with murdering her lover in a Christmas Day attack at his home in Norton Canes, Staffordshire.
Kirsty Carless, 33, also known as Kirsty Cribb, is accused of killing Louis Price, 31, in the early hours of December 25.
The incident occurred just weeks after Price, a father of six, had welcomed a new baby daughter.
Price, described as “well-loved” in the community, lived at the property with his father, a builder, and his stepmother, who worked at a local care home.
Woman appears in court accused of murdering lover in horror Chistmas killing
The victim’s parents were holidaying in the Maldives when they received news of the tragedy.
Carless appeared at Birmingham Crown Court where she spoke only to confirm she could hear the proceedings.
She was remanded into custody and will next appear at Stafford Crown Court on January 31 for a plea hearing.
A provisional trial, expected to last between two to three weeks, has been scheduled for June 2.
Local residents reported hearing distressing sounds during the incident, with witnesses describing a woman screaming “no, no, no” and crying loudly in the early hours.
Carless, who was described as Price’s on-off lover, was arrested at the property before being charged over the weekend.
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In a moving tribute, Price’s family said they were “devastated” at his loss, stating that “life will never be the same without him”.
They noted the particular pain of losing him during the festive period, saying: “Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder.”
The Aston Villa fan was remembered as a “devoted fisherman” who leaves behind his mother, father, brother and sister.
His family spoke of his dedication to his six children – four daughters and two sons – whom “he loved dearly”.
“Louis had a big heart, he loved those closest to him,” the family added in their statement.
Birmingham Crown Court
PA
They said he “leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him”.
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were initially called to the property following reports of a man suffering a cardiac arrest.
The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog “due to recent police contact”.
While a post-mortem examination has been conducted, authorities have not yet revealed the cause of death.