A tattoo artist stabbed his wife to death in an "unprovoked attack", an inquest has heard this morning.

Catalin Micu, who killed mum-of-one Ramona Stoia in a suspected murder-suicide at GothInk Studio in Canterbury, died from a stab wound to the stomach, it was also revealed.

An inquest into Micu's death was opened at County Hall in Maidstone earlier today.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn told how Micu, 54, of Strangers Lane, Canterbury, killed his wife before he was seen to go behind a curtain moments before his death.

On Tuesday, an inquest into 35-year-old Ramona's death was opened at County Hall.

Assistant coroner Bina Patel said Ramona, also of Strangers Lane, Canterbury, had died from a wound to her neck.

Full inquests into both deaths will be held on June 27.

KentOnline previously revealed that Micu was facing allegations he had raped his wife multiple times throughout their marriage before the tragic incident this month.

Micu was on police bail when he was found dead at the tattoo studio with Ramona.

The 54-year-old husband had been interviewed by police before the apparent murder-suicide, with Ramona accusing of him of a series of sexual assaults against her.

Kent Police referred itself to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following its contact with the couple prior to their deaths.

But the IOPC has since confirmed it will not be investigating.

The matter will instead be investigated internally by police, while the IOPC will scrutinise the results of the probe.

At about 5.20pm on Monday, April 11, dozens of armed police officers descended upon the tattoo studio, where the couple were found dead.

Police say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Only Ramona’s death is being treated as suspicious, while police say Micu’s is not.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Canterbury, where Ramona was well-known as a talented tattoo artist.

A collage of pictures of Ramona has since been put up on the doors of the shop in Lower Bridge Street, along with dozens of flowers, candles and written tributes.

One heartfelt poem, called Shining Star, reads: "A shining star snatched from our sky. The question we ask ourselves is why?

"A wonderful spirit loved by all. An amazing lady so beautiful.

"Taken by the angels in such a cruel way. So heartbroken can't find the words to say.

"The tattoos you created are your legacy. Up in heaven now spirit flying free."

A tribute left at the scene reads: "RIP Ramona. You were a beautiful soul. You will be missed so much."

Another says: "I never knew you but unfortunately can relate to your experiences. You deserved to be here and free of violence. I hope you have some sense of peace."

In February, Ramona secured a non-molestation order - a court injunction restricting or banning contact - against Micu.

It is thought the couple - who have a young son - continued to live together, but Micu was banned from “harassing or pestering” her.

But on March 26, he was arrested on suspicion of having breached this order, and of seriously sexually assaulting his wife.

Ramona came forward with a series of historic allegations of rape against her husband, dating back throughout their 16-year relationship but primarily taking place in the last few years.

There were five separate allegations, all of which reportedly took place at the family home.

Following his arrest, Micu was placed on police bail until April 20.

Anyone who has any concerns or information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police via the Kent Police website or by calling 101, quoting 11-0995, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For support with issues of domestic violence call Refuge's helpline for free on 0808 2000247, or visit the charity's website here. Information on Domestic Abuse One Stop Shops can be found here.