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The husband of a woman who was found dead at stables in Warrington has been charged with her murder.
David Pomfret, of Masefield Drive, Winwick, has appeared in court charged with the murder of Ann Marie Pomfret.
The 49-year-old, who was heavily involved in dressage in the northwest, was found dead at the yard in Old Alder Lane, Burtonwood, on 2 November last year.
Mr Pomfret, 50, was arrested that day and bailed, pending further inquiries.
He was charged yesterday (3 April) with murder and remanded in custody to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.
In a statement released after Mrs Pomfret’s death, her family described her as a “beloved daughter, wife and mother”.
“She loved nothing more than spending time with her family out in nature, looking after their horses,” they added.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We are devastated that she has been taken from us so young and in such a senseless way.”
Mrs Pomfret played a major part in running the Somerford Park Premier League shows, and also volunteered at Bolesworth International.
Somerford director Debbie King said: “She was absolutely brilliant.
“She was one of those people who willingly offer help. She was incredibly generous and kind-hearted, and gave up so much of her time; it’s incredibly sad.”
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‘She loved nothing more than spending time with her family out in nature, looking after their horses’
Ms King paid tribute to the sheer volume of work Ms Pomphret undertook as a volunteer to help with the running of the four-day shows, and to her “delightful” family.
“She’s going to be so much missed,” she said.
Mr Pomfret is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (8 April). No plea was entered.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.