Trial date set for Poole man and murder accused Lewis Crofts

Lewis Crofts, 29 and of Lytchett Drive, Broadstone, has been charged with the murder of 29-year-old Kimberley Deakin.

Crofts appeared at Birmingham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing yesterday, November 11. The defendant was not arraigned.

A judge fixed a provisional trial date for May 19, 2021.

Crofts was remanded into custody, with his next court appearance due to be on January 13 next year for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

As reported, a Home Office post mortem examination found the cause of Ms Deakin's death to be stab wounds.

A tribute from her family was released through Staffordshire Police following her death in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday, November 6.

Kimberley Deakin. Picture: Staffordshire Police

“The family cannot express in words their sorrow and pain at losing their beloved Kim," the family said.

"She was kind, caring and loved by many. Kim had recently become an adoring mother to Ava and can never be replaced in our hearts. We would like to ask for privacy to be allowed to grieve in peace.”