A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 44-year-old woman in Stoke Prior.

David Clark, 49, of Cloverdale, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on January 2 during a short-two minute hearing. 

No pleas were taken as Clark, who dressed in a grey shirt and grey bottoms in the court two dock, only spoke to confirm his name and that he understood proceedings.

Prosecuting Peter Love asked for the matter to be sent to crown court, and defending Sam Lamsdale made no representations. 

Mark Holloway, legal adviser, told the magistrates that the matter could in "no way, shape or form be dealt with at the court", which magistrates agreed. 

Chairman of the bench Michelle Edwards asked Clark to stand and told him he was remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court before 11am on January 4.