Man, 32, in court over murder of midwife

A MAN will appear via video-link tomorrow in crown court after being remanded in custody over the murder of midwife Samantha Eastwood.

Michael Stirling appeared before magistrates yesterday after he was charged following the discovery of the 28-year-old’s body in a rural area near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday – eight days after her disappearance.

The 32-year-old defendant, who is the brother-in-law of Ms Eastwood’s ex-fiance John Peake, was not required to enter any pleas during the three-minute hearing at North Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court.

Stirling spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The charge states that Stirling allegedly murdered Ms Eastwood between July 26 and August 5 at Baddeley Green.

Stirling, of Gratton Road, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, was remanded into custody to appear at Stafford Crown Court tomorrow via live video link.

More than an hour after the hearing he was led on to a waiting prison van at the back of court, escorted by two security officers, before being driven away.

Staffordshire Police said two other men, aged 28 and 60, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

At Ms Eastwood’s home, a forensics officer was seen going into the semi-detached house carrying white coveralls, and evidence bags. Outside, floral tributes, including sun flowers, had been left by neighbours and members of the public.

One of the tributes read: “Sam, I did not know you, but you seemed to be a loving and caring soul. You were much loved by family, friends and work colleagues. Taken too soon, rest in peace.”