Worcester murder investigation: Damian Homer to appear in court

Damian Homer, of Haresfield Close in Worcester, is accused of the murder of Wendy Francis and the attempted murder of Stacey Hill.

The 50-year-old had the first hearing of his case on Monday, (March 3) at Kidderminster Magistrates Court. 

Homer was charged by police on Monday morning and appeared at the Kidderminster court in the afternoon.

ACCUSED: Damian Homer (Image: Facebook)

Homer was told the next hearing of his case would take place at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday - but that hearing was adjourned until Wednesday (today). 

Court staff have set a provisional date for April 2 for Homer's plea and trial preparation hearing, while a trial (if needed) has a date of starting on August 27.

Those dates, for Worcester Crown Court, are set to be discussed and could be firmly set during the latest hearing on Wednesday. 

The charges are in relation to the death of Wendy Francis at an address in Haresfield Close, Warndon, Worcester, on Saturday night (March 2).

SCENE: Haresfield Close in Warndon (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

A second woman, aged 38, was taken to hospital in the incident. Her condition has been described by West Mercia Police as "now stable, and she continues to receive medical treatment".

In a statement, Wendy’s family said: “Wendy will be hugely missed; she was one in a million and much-loved.”

Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding of the Murder Investigation Unit said: "I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.

"You will notice a higher police presence in the area in the coming days as officers investigate this incident.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost her life."