An alleged murderer has appeared before a crown court judge.

Mihai Hurmuz-Irimia, 28, is said by prosecutors to have fatally stabbed his wife, 40-year-old Katie Hurmuz-Irimia, at their Wallingford home last Tuesday.

Judge Ian Pringle QC remanded him into custody to return to the crown court on October 28 for a plea and trial preparation hearing, when he will be expected to either plead guilty or not guilty to the charge of murder.

He told the defendant: “Mihai Hurmuz-Irimia, I’m going to adjourn your case until the 28th of October, alright? The 28th of October, when you will come back here on Friday, on that date, and then we’ll have a PTPH [plea and trial preparation hearing] and we will set a date for the trial.”

Hurmuz-Irimia, of Blue Mountains, Wallingford, appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit. He spoke only to confirm his name. Sat in the public gallery were two police officers, a lawyer observing the case and a member of court staff.

Barrister James Keeley appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service and Bethan Chichester for the defence during the three-and-a-half minute hearing.

Last week, police said officers  were called to a flat in Blue Mountains, Wallingford, at around 2am on Tuesday, August 30. A woman, since identified as mum-of-one Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia, suffered significant injuries and died at the scene.

A post-mortem found that she had died following stab wounds to the neck and chest, Thames Valley Police said last week.

In a tribute to Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia, née Chalk, her family said on Friday: “She was a caring person that looked out for other people.

“Katie was friendly person and lovely mum to Hayden.

“We are missing you terribly, bye from all of us. Words will never describe how we feel, we have lost our star, shine high and bight, take care my angel sleep tight.”

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward