A woman who has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Wiltshire has made her first court appearance.
Helen Shakespeare, of Strawberry Fields in Easterton, near Devizes, was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder after police were called to reports of a stabbing in Easterton on July 2.
A man, believed to be Shakespeare's ex-partner 48-year-old Raymond Groves, died at the scene.
Just four days later on Saturday, July 6, 53-year-old Shakespeare appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court for the first time and spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth.
The court heard how she has been accused of murder as well as conspiracy to murder alongside two other unnamed individuals.
Kate Prince, prosecuting, told the court: “The crown’s case is that she stabbed her ex-partner at her home address which resulted in his death.
Wiltshire Police were on the scene in Easterton on the night of the death. (Image: SWNS)
The defendant was represented at Swindon Magistrates' Court by Richard Williams, and Presiding Justice Amanda Lee chose to transfer the case to Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, July 9.
“You understand what is happening as your case is not suitable for the magistrates’ court and will be going to Winchester Crown Court on July 9," she told Shakespeare.
“You will be remanded into custody until that time.”
Officers were first called to Shakespeare’s address shortly after 8pm on July 2 after reports that a man had been stabbed.
The man, who died at the scene, is yet to be formally identified but police say he is believed to be 48-year-old Raymond Groves from Hartcliffe in Bristol.
Wiltshire Police are also questioning a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident.
A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been further arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
“I’d like to send my condolences to the family and friends of the man involved," said Detective Inspector Deb Hatch.
"Our investigation remains ongoing.”
This incident near Devizes comes just one week after a stabbing in Devizes town centre, which is not believed to be connected.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article