Man in court charged with murder of his schoolteacher wife

Updated

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife.

Stuart Andrews, 54, of The Street, Benenden, attended Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Saturday accused of strangling Caroline Andrews, 52, in Benenden on February 3, Kent Police said.

Andrews was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday February 16.

Police were called to the couple's home on Thursday February 4, where they discovered the body of Mrs Andrews.

A post mortem showed she died from strangulation.

Mrs Andrews was a supply teacher at Benenden C of E Primary School, a short distance from her home.

Neighbour Derek Catlin said she lived with her husband and their four children, in their teens, along with two dogs.

Tributes were paid to the "well-respected" teacher by colleagues.

Head teacher Gill Knox said: "The tragic death of Caroline Andrews has left the staff at Benenden C of E School shocked and saddened.

"Caroline and her family live in the village and are well known at the school. Caroline has been a loved and well-respected supply teacher for a number of years who has enriched the lives of the many children she taught.

"At the present time we cannot comment on what has happened but our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew her and will miss her."

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