A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a mother-of-three.

Leslie Andrew Stubbs, of Picton Street, Leek, faced magistrates at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court in connection with Deborah Wilkes's death.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Stafford Crown Court on September 2.

It follows the discovery of Deborah Wilkes's body at her home in Shirley Street, Leek, on Sunday night.

Deborah Wilkes, who previously worked as a nurse and sister at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, had three daughters, a grandson and a granddaughter. Her family have released the following statement:

"We feel devastated by Deb's death in such tragic circumstances.

She was a loving and caring mum and grandma. At the same time, we would like to express how proud we are of the service she gave to others as a nurse and ward sister.

"We know how much she valued her independence, even as her health deteriorated following the onset of Huntington's disease.

"We will miss her so much and appeal for anyone who feels they may know anything about the case to contact the police."