A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of murdering her lover in a Christmas Day horror attack just weeks after he welcomed his sixth child.
Louis Price, 31, died at his home in the Staffordshire town of Norton Canes in the early hours of Wednesday.
Kirsty Carless – also called Kirsty Cribb – appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today charged with murder.
The 33-year-old spoke only to confirm she could hear the proceedings.
Carless was remanded into custody to next appear at Stafford Crown Court on January 31 for a plea hearing.
A provisional trial set to last between two to three weeks was scheduled for June 2.
The horror unfolded on Christmas Day just weeks after Louis welcomed a baby daughter.
Locals heard a woman screaming “no, no, no” and crying loudly in the early hours.
Louis’ on-off lover Carless was arrested at the property before being charged over the weekend.
His parents, who lived with the dad-of-six, had been on holiday in the Maldives when they were told about the tragedy.
One local told The Sun: “The young man who died was a lovely lad. He lived with his dad, who is a builder, and his step mum, who worked at a local care home.
“They kept themselves to themselves, and were a decent, hard working family.
“Louis had a baby daughter who he loved to bits.”
The Aston Villa fan’s devastated family paid tribute to the “devoted fisherman”, who was “well-loved” in the community.
They added: “As a family we are devastated at losing Louis. Life will never be the same without him.
“He leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.
“Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder.
“Louis leaves behind his Mum, Dad, Brother and Sister, along with his six children.
“He has four daughters and two sons who he loved dearly. Louis had a big heart, he loved those closest to him.”
Staffordshire Police has referred itself to the IOPC watchdog “due to recent police contact”.
The force previously confirmed they were called to the home following reports of a man suffering a cardiac arrest.
A post mortem has taken place but a cause of death has not been revealed.
