Video: Partner of ‘lady in a suitcase’ victim in court

Music teacher Andrew Lindo, 28, wearing steel rimmed spectacles and dark blue sweater, spoke only to confirm his age and address when he appeared in the dock at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court.

His alleged victim’s family, including her sister and father, Robert, who wiped tears from his eyes, sat in the public gallery just yards from the alleged killer of mother-of-two Miss Stewart.

Lindo, who did not look at the public gallery during the three-minute hearing, was formally charged with the murder of his partner at their home address in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, some time between December 17 last year and February 14 this year.

The 30-year-old’s body was found by police on Sunday in a suitcase in the garage of their home in Perseverance Place, Holmfirth.

Officers were contacted by relatives who were concerned because they had not seen her since Christmas.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Monday showed her death was caused by multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

Carol Lawford, prosecuting, asked for the matter to be sent directly to crown court for the accused to appear tomorrow morning before a judge.

Lindo’s solicitor, Colin Byrne, did not oppose the request.

Brian Castle, chairman of the bench, told the defendant he was to be remanded in custody overnight to appear at Bradford Crown Court tomorrow morning at 10am.

He was then handcuffed to a security guard and taken from the courtroom.

Ms Stewart’s family have said they are “devastated” by the death of what they described as a devoted and loving mother.