A trial date has been set for a man charged with the murder of a housing association employee. Clifford Foster, 61, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday charged with murdering Eleanor Barnfield, 47, who died in hospital last week.
Ms Barnfield, an employee of the Valleys to Coast housing association, passed away in hospital following a crash on Coity Road in Bridgend, where her vehicle collided with a wall, after suffering what are thought to have been stab injuries.
Details of the incident
She reportedly managed to drive some way towards a hospital before collapsing at the wheel and crashing into a wall. Paramedics realised she had injuries unrelated to the crash when they arrived at the scene.
The mother was then rushed to hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
Court proceedings
The decision to charge Foster came after a "significant policing operation" at Ger-y-Nant, which is run by the Valleys to Coast housing association, where Ms Barnfield was employed.
Foster only spoke to verify his name, date of birth and address – at Ger-y-Nant – during the short hearing on Monday. He was not required to enter a plea.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, scheduled a plea and trial preparation date of November 23 and a provisional trial date of April 12 next year. Foster was remanded into custody.
Tribute to Ms Barnfield
Ms Barnfield has been remembered by her family as the "most loving" mother and "bravest person in the world".
In a tribute issued through police last week, they said: "She meant everything to us and will be forever loved and missed deeply by her devoted family and friends. She was our rock."
