EX-FIANCE

He’s held in custody as tributes to caring Samantha flood in

THE brother-in-law of Samantha Eastwood’s ex-fiance yesterday appeared in court charged with the midwife’s murder.

Michael Stirling entered no plea and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. The 32-year-old was arrested after Samantha’s body was found on Saturday.

She was last seen leaving her night shift at Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.45am on Friday July 27.

Stirling appeared at North Staffordshire magistrates court, as tributes to Samantha continued to pour in.

He was flanked by two officers and stood motionless during the hearing, which was adjourned. Stirling was remanded into custody to appear at Stafford crown court tomorrow. His wife Katie is the sister of Samantha’s former fiance John Peake.

John yesterday arrived at the victim’s home in Baddeley Green, Stoke, with her sister Gemma Eastwood to lay flowers. None of Samantha’s relatives were in court.

In a statement released by Staffordshire Police, they said: “We would like to say thank you to all the people who followed Samantha’s story and tried their best to help.” A Gofundme page has been set up to raise cash for Samantha’s funeral.

By last night, £3,400 of its £10,000 target had been pledged. Gemma, 26, wrote: “This has been set up so we can give her the send off she deserves.”

A message on the page reads: “Samantha was a lovely young woman who helped to bring so many lives into this world.

“She had a bright future that was taken away far too soon.”

Liz Rix, chief nurse at the trust where Samantha worked, tweeted: “Sam will be deeply missed. She was a much loved member of the maternity service.”

A postmortem has taken place on Samantha but more tests are needed.