Midwife was found in shallow grave

A midwife was found in a shallow grave, wrapped in a duvet cover and with tape around her eyes and face, a court has heard.

The body of Samantha Eastwood, 28, was discovered in a rural area near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday eight days after going missing.

Michael Stirling, 32, appeared at Stafford Crown Court yesterday charged with murdering the popular Royal Stoke Hospital worker.

Appearing from HMP Dovecote via video-link, wearing a high-vis vest and a grey T-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and nationality and that he understood the proceedings.

Stirling, of Gratton Road, Stoke-on-trent, is the brother-in-law of Miss Eastwood’s former fiance, John Peake, and is accused of murdering the midwife between July 26 and August 5 at Baddeley Green, Stoke. The trial continues.