Grisly detail as accused faces court

MIDWIFE Samantha Eastwood was found in a shallow grave, wrapped in a duvet cover and with tape over her eyes and face, a court heard.

The 28-year-old had been missing for eight days when police discovered her body in a rural area about eight miles from her home.

Michael Stirling, 32, appeared at Stafford crown court yesterday charged with her murder.

Stirling, of Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, is the brother-in-law of Samantha’s ex-fiance John Peake, 34.

Facing the court from HMP Dovecote via video-link, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and nationality and that he understood the proceedings.

Jonas Hankin QC, prosecuting, said the ongoing probe was “complex”.

The court heard the body of Royal Stoke Hospital worker Samantha was ACCUSED Stirling attends a court hearing &, right, Caverswall scene found in Caverswall, Staffs. She had been placed in the grave wrapped in a single duvet cover and with masking tape around her face and eyes.

A preliminary postmortem did not reveal any gunshot, stab or penetrating wounds and Judge Michael Challinor QC was told there would be further analysis of her neck bones.

Defence barrister Samina Rasid made no application for bail and Stirling was not required to enter a plea.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Northampton crown court for a plea hearing on October 5.

His trial date was provisionally set for February 4 next year but the judge said the case’s complexities meant that date was likely to be moved back.

Two other men, aged 28 and 60, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain on conditional police bail while inquiries continue.