Woman in court charged with murder of businesswoman Sadie Hartley

A woman charged with the murder of a 60-year-old businesswoman has made her first appearance in court.

Sarah Williams, 34, of Blacon, Chester, is accused of killing Sadie Hartley, who was found stabbed to death at her home in Sunny Bank Road, Helmshore, Lancashire, on Friday evening.

Williams, of Treborth Road, was flanked in the dock at Blackburn Magistrates' Court by two female prison officers and stood with her head bowed throughout the three-minute hearing.

Wearing a grey shirt, grey trousers and black pumps, she spoke only to confirm her full address and date of birth before she was remanded in custody ahead of a preliminary hearing at Preston Crown Court on Friday.

Earlier, she covered her face with a cream cardigan as she was led in handcuffs from the prison van into the building.

No pleas were entered to the allegation she murdered Ms Hartley on Thursday January 14.