A MAN charged with murdering his wife has made his first appearance before a Crown Court judge.

George Leather, of Tinling Close, Prescot appeared at Liverpool Crown Court this morning for a bail hearing.

Paula Leather, 56, was fatally injured at her home address in Tinling Close, Prescot in the early hours of Monday.

A post mortem examination ruled the cause of death to be stab wounds to the face and neck.

George Leather, 60, was arrested at the scene and charged with the murder of Paula.

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He had appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and faced a Crown Court today (Friday).

During the hearing, a date was set for a hearing for Leather to enter his plea to the murder charge. This will take place on Friday, February 12, 2012.

He was remanded back into custody.

On Thursday evening, Paula's family issued a heartbreaking statement, in which they said she had "a smile that would light up the world".

St Helens Star:

Their tribute read: "Our gorgeous Mum has sadly been taken away from us in the most tragic of circumstances.

"Paula was beautiful inside and out; so kind, so loving and she was the person that was there for everyone.

"She was the mum of Jason, Jessica and Matthew and the proudest nanny to her first grandson.

"Paula was devoted to siblings Karen, Ian and Peter, to her large loving family and to her wonderful friends.

"She was a beautiful soul within her community with a smile to light up the world.

"Mum will be missed beyond words but the life, the love and the memories we shared together will live on forever."