A woman charged with murdering a “well-loved” father of six on Christmas Day will enter pleas next month.

Kirsty Carless appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Foston Hall on Tuesday for a brief preliminary hearing after she was charged with the murder of Louis Price, 31.

Staffordshire Police said they were called to a report of a man in cardiac arrest at a property on Elm Road in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at around 3.25am on December 25, and despite medical efforts Mr Price died a short time later.

He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could

Wearing a grey T-shirt, Carless, 33, spoke only to confirm she could hear the proceedings.

Judge Michael Chambers KC said Carless must appear in person at Stafford Crown Court at the end of January to enter a plea to murder.

He told the defendant, of Haling Way in Cannock: “Your case is being adjourned and the next hearing will be a plea and trial preparation at Stafford on January 31, when all things being equal, you will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty.

“In the meantime, you must be remanded into custody.”

Michelle Heeley KC, defending Carless, said there would be no application for bail.

A provisional date for a trial, which is estimated to last two to three weeks, was set for June 2 at Stafford Crown Court in front of resident judge Kristina Montgomery KC.

In a statement released through Staffordshire Police on Friday, Mr Price’s family described him as a “well-known member of the community” who was “well-loved” and always smiling.

They said: “He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could.

“Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family.

“He loved football, he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa.”