Albert Williams, 66, has appeared in court charged with the murder of 41-year-old Charlene Dowsell in July. Williams was arrested after police responded to reports of an altercation outside a property on St Vincent Street, Newport, in the early hours of July 18.
Firearms officers attended the scene and the mother-of-four was pronounced dead by paramedics a short distance away near Chepstow Road having sustained a fatal stab wound.
Court appearance and plea
The defendant appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday for a plea and trial preparation hearing before Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke. Williams had previously appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on July 20 and 21.
Williams, of Ruperra Street, Newport, did not enter any pleas at the brief hearing on Thursday morning. Julia Cox, representing Williams, said Williams' counsel were waiting for expert reports to be carried out before any pleas could be entered.
Trial date set
The hearing was told a new plea and trial preparation hearing will be set for October 21 and a provisional trial date has been set for January 12 next year. The trial would last two weeks, the court heard.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke remanded the 66-year-old into custody.
Family tribute
Following her death Ms Dowsell's family described her as "the foundation to our family". "To our beautiful daughter Charlene, mum of four beautiful children. They say time will heal, but time will never change how we as a family feel," they said.
"You're so loved by everyone that really knew you. You have left us broken hearted - we are all in shock. We don't know what to do but we are finding comfort in memories we have of you. You did not deserve what you went through our girl.
"Losing our daughter at such a young age, she was the foundation to our family and without her it’s difficult to know what to do and what comes next. Four children without a mum is just heartbreaking.
"Gone are the days we used to share but in my heart you will always be there. You're at peace now our beautiful girl. Gone but never forgotten."
