A MAN has appeared before a court after a former manager at a Kent public house was found murdered.

Julie Butler, 49, ran the Little Crown in Chatham High Street until three years ago when she left the county to start a new life in Hampshire.

Last Wednesday her body was discovered at the Imperial Standard pub in Aldershot where she worked.

Regulars at the Little Crown, where Ms Butler held fund-raising events, were among those who spoke about their shock and sadness at the news.

Ms Butler also worked at the White Lion pub in Chatham High Street where her former boss Bev Samwell said: “It’s terrible what’s happened to her. I still can’t believe it.”

Ms Butler is thought to have a daughter and a grandchild who live in the Chatham area.

A man appeared before magistrates on Friday charged with Ms Butler's murder. David Kirsch, of Western Road, Aldershot, was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, October 26.

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