THE trial of a woman accused of murder began this week.

Wendy Marklew, whose last known address was Geraldine Court in Malvern, has appeared Birmingham Crown Court accused of the murder of David McTighe, who was known as Simon.

43-year-old Mr McTighe was found dead at his Redditch home on Monday, June 13 last year.

50-year-old Marklew was charged with murder on Thursday, December 8.

Previously, West Mercia Police extended the time they could question the woman after arresting her on Tuesday, June 21.

A post-mortem examination found Mr McTighe's injury to be suspicious, prompting a police investigation.

She appeared before his honour judge Robert Juckes QC at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, December 9.

At that hearing, Marklew, who wore a dark coat, wept at one point and put her hands over her eyes.

Distraught family members and friends have spoken of their shock and described McTighe as a "top bloke" and "legend".

Posting on Facebook, his son Louis McTighe said: "I can't believe you're not here anymore. No matter what, you will always be my dad and I always will be thinking of you.

"Soon you'll be up there with nan watching down on us, and hopefully put some good luck in our souls instead of bad luck. Love you Dad. Rest easy."

Police were called to the property by the ambulance service at around 1.40am.

The trial continues.