A woman charged with murdering a much-loved father-of-six on Christmas Day in Staffordshire will enter pleas next month. Kirsty Carless, of Haling Way, Cannock, has been charged with murdering lifelong Aston Villa fan Louis Price in Elm Road, Norton Canes, on December 25.
The 33-year-old appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Foston Hall today, December 31, for a brief preliminary hearing. Wearing a grey t-shirt, Carless 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. He told the defendant: “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.
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“In the meantime, you must be remanded into custody.” 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 last week, 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.”