Daniel Birtwistle, 39, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, appeared by video link at Dudley Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning charged with manslaughter, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour in connection with the death of Georgina Ward.
Ms Ward, a 24-year-old tattoo artist described by her family as 'brilliant, creative and talented', was found dead at her home in Dudley in November 2020. Birtwistle faces charges including manslaughter, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, and three counts of assault allegedly committed between August 2019 and November 2020.
In a statement, Ms Ward's family said: 'Georgina was a remarkable young woman... a brilliant, creative and talented tattoo artist with a promising future... She loved deeply and unconditionally... Our lives have been changed irrevocably by her loss.'
Birtwistle also faces six further counts of assault and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour relating to three other women. He was bailed with conditions not to contact the alleged victims, to live at a specified address, and to surrender his passport.
No plea was entered. Birtwistle is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 13 November for a plea and case management hearing.
