Woman appears in court charged with murdering father-of-six in Staffordshire on Christmas Day

Kirsty Carless appeared on a CVP link at Birmingham Crown Court this morning (Tuesday).

She is accused of the murder of the father of six at his home in Elm Road, Norton Canes, in the early hours of Wednesday, December 25.

Carless, aged 33, of Haling Way, Cannock spoke only to confirm she could hear the proceedings

Judge Michael Chambers KC said Carless must appear in person at Stafford Crown Court at the end of January to enter a plea to murder.

He told the defendant, of Haling Way in Cannock: “Your case is being adjourned and the next hearing will be a plea and trial preparation at Stafford on January 31, when all things being equal, you will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty.

She will appear at Stafford Crown Court for a plea and preparation hearing on January 31 and will be remanded in custody until then. Michelle Heeley KC, defending Carless, said there would be no application for bail.

A provisional date for a trial, which is estimated to last two to three weeks, was set for June 2 at Stafford Crown Court in front of resident judge Kristina Montgomery KC.

In a statement released through Staffordshire Police on Friday, Mr Price’s family described him as a “well-known member of the community” who was “well-loved” and always smiling.

They said: “He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could. Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family.

“He loved football, he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa.”