Man, 29, in court on death of his ex Kerry Smith

The former partner of a 29-year-old woman stabbed to death in a Sandwell street appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court today charged with her murder.

David Palmer, aged 39, from Mincing Lane, Rowley Regis, is accused of killing Kerry Smith last Sunday morning.

The mother, who has an 18-month-old child, died shortly after being stabbed three times in Blackheath High Street.

Palmer, who spoke only to confirm his identity and appeared in the dock wearing a light grey tracksuit, was remanded in custody by Judge John Warner. A plea and direction hearing will be held on November 2.

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has confirmed it will not need to be involved in the investigation at this stage, after it was referred to them by West Midlands Police.

The force had referred the case to the IPCC for an impartial review of all the circumstances as the victim and accused were both known to officers.