'Doting' husband in court accused of killing wife

A retired firefighter today appeared in court charged with murdering his wife, who was found strangled at their home in Halesowen.

Mother-of-two Margaret Wathen, aged 63, was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Post-mortem results released today revealed the cause of death was strangulation.

Her husband Michael, known as Mick, was charged with her murder yesterday evening and today appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

He spoke only to answer "yes" to his name, address and date of birth.

The case was sent to Wolverhampton Crown Court by magistrates where Wathen will next appear on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

Court Clerk Keith Hancock told Wathen: "By law magistrates have no alternative but to send your case to crown court and they have no power to consider bail."

Police were called to the couple's home in Brier Mill Road, on the Halesmere estate, at around 6.50pm on Wednesday.

Mrs Wathen, known by her middle name "Heather", was a retired control worker with West Midlands Fire Service.

Her husband, 67, was arrested at their home. Neighbours say he had worked at fire stations in Sandwell and Birmingham during his career. Neighbours and friends today spoke of their shock at the news.

Judy King, who used to be their next door neighbour but moved to Broadway Avenue, Halesowen, 11 years ago, said: "They were an adorable couple and were very loving — they doted on each other."