Man accused of murdering "beloved" Leeds mum could stand trial this winter
He will return to court next month for a plea hearing
A man charged with murdering a woman whose body was found at an address in Leeds could stand trial later this year.
Jack Johns, 52, made his first appearance at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, albeit over a link from prison where he is being kept on remand.
He is charged with the killing of 51-year-old Gosia Wiktor from last week.
No plea was entered, but he is expected to be returned to court on July 15 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
A preliminary trial date has been set for December 7. Johns, of School Street, Tingley, was remanded back into custody.
Detectives launched a murder investigation last Thursday, June 11, after attending an address on Foster Square on Belle Isle, where Ms Wiktor was found seriously injured. She sadly died at the scene.
Following her death, her family said: “It is so hard to find words when our hearts are filled with sorrow.
“It will be so difficult, and life will be so different, learning to live without you. We still cannot believe that we will no longer hear your laughter, see your smile.
“You left far too soon, leaving behind an emptiness that nothing can fill. As a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, you were the heart of our family, a source of warmth, love, and joy.
“We are not able to say goodbye. The pain felt by our entire family is beyond words.
“That is why we will not say ‘farewell,’ because we believe that love is stronger than death. Instead, we will simply say: ‘Stay close.’
“Forever in our hearts and thoughts.”