Jackie Abbott murder: Tributes pour in as husband appears in court over killing
A man has appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of his wife, whose death has left a community in shock.
Paul Abbott, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his details at Dudley Magistrate's Court today.
The 56-year-old will be remanded in custody to appear before crown court on March 15 for his plea and case management hearing.
His wife Jacqueline Abbott, aged 54, died shortly after being being found with serious head injuries at her house in Lodge Crescent, Netherton on Friday.
Mr Abbott was arrested at the scene and was yesterday charged with her murder.
Since her death, tributes have flooded in for the grandmother, who lived with Mr Abbott and their two sons Martyn and Ryan.
The couple ran a fishing tackle shop called J & P Fishing Snooker Darts at the Enterprise Industrial Estate in Hurst Lane in Brierley Hill, with Mrs Abbott listed as company secretary, and Mr Abbott director.
Neighbours say the pair previously ran a snooker club in the borough.
The couple were believed to have lived for 10 years at the property, where more than 30 bouquets of flowers were laid last night.
Neighbour Michelle Lane, who had known Mrs Abbott for six years, said the community had been affected by her death.
He said: "She was a really lovely and nice lady.
"This has affected the whole community because she has lived around here for a good few years.
"It has all come completely out of the blue and everyone on the road is in complete shock.
"You hear about this sort of thing on the news but you never expect it happen a few doors up.
"I used to live nine doors up myself before I moved here so I've known her for about six years.
"Her two sons, Ryan and Martyn, lived with her and we just feel for the whole family.
"It's such a shame what's happened and it's very sad. I'm just in complete shock at the moment."
A teenager, who wished not to be named, added: "I had known her since I was a baby.
"The family would pull up outside the house to say hello to us all.
"She was a lovely lady and everyone on the estate knew her. My brother went to school with her sons.
"It was a real shock when I found out and I didn't know what to believe at first.
"Then we found out what we'd heard was true. No one could believe it."
Matthew Holding, who lives a couple of doors down from the couple, said: "I didn't know her that well but we said hello and everything. She seemed like a nice woman."
West Midlands Police said in a statement released yesterday: "Police investigating the death of a woman in Dudley have charged a man with her murder.
"Paul Abbott, a 56-year-old business man from Lodge Crescent, Netherton, was charged with killing his wife, Jacqueline Abbott, aged 54, at their home on Friday 11 December.
"He will appear before Dudley Magistrates Court on Monday 14 December.
"Officers were called to the address around 4.25pm on Friday following reports of a disorder. Jacqueline was found with head injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later."
Detectives investigating the death have said they are not looking for anyone other suspects but have appealed for anyone who was near Lodge Crescent on Friday afternoon to come forward.
