More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The family of a woman found dead in Broadstairs have today paid tribute to the "devoted mother" after her estranged husband was charged with murder.
Relatives of Anne-Marie Birch spoke of their devastation at the death of the "kindest, sweetest human being" last Thursday.
The 47-year-old's body was discovered at a house in Whiteness Road, Kingsgate, at about 1.30pm.
Her husband Lee Birch, 55, has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody.
In a joint statement released through Kent Police today, Mrs Birch's family said: "Anne-Marie was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
"Her sudden death has been a devastating shock to us all and we ask for your respect in allowing us our time and space to grieve over our loss.
"For those who ever knew or met Anne-Marie would know how she was the kindest, sweetest human being and will be sadly missed by us all."
The couple, who have a teenage daughter, ran the Why Not? micropub in Lymington Road, Westgate, for nine months until it closed in September for financial reasons.
Lee Birch, of Lymington Road, Westgate, spoke only to be identified in a brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.
Judge Jeremy Carey transferred the case to Canterbury Crown Court, for a plea and case management hearing on January 28.
A provisional trial date was set for March 24 at the same court.
Earlier, Kent Police said the force has referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission "as is mandatory in cases where there has been previous police contact with the victim".
