A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with murder after a beloved dad was killed on New Year’s Day.

Hannah Sindrey, 23 of Worcester Drive, Rayleigh appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Dressed in red, she spoke only to confirm her name, age and address and appeared upset throughout the brief hearing.

It comes after Paul Fletcher, who was known by pals as “Dod”, was attacked in his flat on Worcester Drive, Rayleigh, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police were called 1am to the flat at roughly 1am and found the dad-of-one was still alive but unresponsive.

Speaking to Sindrey the court clerk explained the Magistrates Court did not have the power to deal with the offence and that she would appear in Crown Court in the next couple of days.

She told the defendant the Crown Court will consider whether she is eligible for bail.

Speaking to Sindrey the chairman of the Magistrates Bench said: “This matter will be sent to the crown court in the next 48 hours.”

Marco Guarnieri, defending, appeared in the court room while prosecutor Lesley Chipps appeared via video call.

A date for the next hearing is yet to be confirmed.

A 25-year-old woman from Basildon, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 39-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released without charge.

Friends have paid touching tributes to Mr Fletcher and neighbours were left shocked after the incident.

Good pal Crystalann Kelly, 35, has joined many of Paul’s loved ones in paying tribute to the “wicked dad”.

The Dagenham mum said: ““He is a wicked dad to his son and I’m feeling sorry for him at this sad time. He was much-loved. I’m gonna miss him and so will all his friends and family.”