A man has appeared in court accused of the murder of his wife.

Mihai Hurmuz-Irimia, 28, is said to have fatally stabbed partner Katie in the chest and neck at their flat in Blue Mountains, Wallingford, on Tuesday, August 30.

Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court this morning dressed in a grey tracksuit, the Wallingford man spoke only to confirm his personal details.

The charge he faces – a single count of murder – is so serious it can only be dealt with at the crown court.

Chairman of the bench, Robin Szymura, told the defendant: "We're unable to deal with this matter, so you are being sent to the crown court for a hearing on Monday, September 5, where the case will be progressed. That is the matter for today. Thank you."

READ MORE: Tributes at the scene to 'kind-hearted' woman 

Asked whether she had anything to add, prosecutor Ann Sawyer-Brandish said: "There's nothing more I can say, sir, in respect of that. It will go directly to the crown court on Monday." The custody time limit - the amount of time the defendant can be remanded in custody - is March 3 next year.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before the Recorder of Oxford, Judge Ian Pringle QC, for a bail hearing on Monday morning.

Hurmuz-Irimia remained silent as he stood in the dock for the 68-second hearing. Solicitor Bethan Chichester appeared in court for the defendant.

The alleged murder has shocked Wallingford. The small market town is the filming location for fictional Causton, the home of DCI Tom Barnaby in ITV series Midsomer Murders.

Tributes have been paid to Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia both online and at the scene of her death.

A card attached to one bunch of flowers left outside her flat read: “Dear Katie, I cannot believe I am writing this, you were such an amazing friend and neighbour, we had some brilliant times, you were taken too soon, sleep tight.”

Another card described the woman as 'Cockney Kate' and said she had been 'taken too soon'.

READ MORE: Live updates as murder accused appears in court

Writing on the Oxford Mail’s Facebook page earlier this week, Nessy Jayne said: “Such a kind-hearted and beautiful person, rest in peace Katie.”

Mary Craddock added: “You earned your wing much too soon, R.I.P lovely lady.”

Nina Hansell wrote: “You don’t think that this is going to happen to anyone you know. It’s a statistic that happens to other people. So shocked. RIP Katie.”

Donna Dixon said: “Can’t believe this shocking news, so sad. I was only talking to Katie a few days ago, always happy and smiling my thoughts are with all the family.”

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward