Runcorn murder latest: Man in court over murder of his wife

Dec 8 2009 By Oliver Clay

Michael and Victoria Roberts

A MAN appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of his wife in Runcorn.

Michael Andrew Roberts, 26, of Partington Square, Swan’s Reach, Sandymoor, spoke only to confirm his name and address during the hearing at Warrington Magistrates Court this morning.

A packed court watched Anouska Watkins, prosecuting, set out the murder charge and the alleged circumstances leading to his arrest.

He is accused of murdering Victoria Roberts, 25, whom he married in June.

The court heard her body was found by police in rubbish behind a silver Honda Civic in a garage at their home.

Mr Roberts was arrested in Wrexham on Sunday.

Roberts, wearing a black jumper and with his hair combed down rather than styled upwards as in pictures released by the police, looked down throughout proceedings, other than to give his details and hear he was to be remanded in custody.

Roberts was committed for trial at Warrington Crown Court, set to begin on January 4, 2010.