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Trial set for man accused of murdering mum

Curtis Lancaster & PA Media
BBC News
Hampshire Constabulary A head-and-shoulders photo of Samantha Murphy looking up at the camera. She has long dark hair and is wearing a sleeveless light brown top.Hampshire Constabulary
Samantha Murphy's family said she brought "laughter and light"

A trial date has been set for a 30-year-old man accused of murdering a mother-of-three.

Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 07:37 BST last Thursday following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy.

Charlie Jeans, of Southsea, has been charged with her murder and appeared by video link from HMP Lewes at Portsmouth Crown Court earlier.

The defendant will remain in custody, with a trial date set for 10 November and a plea and trial preparation hearing on 10 July.

A 41-year-old Portsmouth man, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail until 9 September.

Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant, who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have also been released on conditional bail until 5 September.

In a tribute, Ms Murphy's family said: "Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met.

"She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews."

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