Aldi supermarket murder: First picture of company director charged with stabbing young mother
A former company director accused of murdering “a doting mother” in front of shoppers has appeared in court.
Father-of-two Neville Hord, 44, allegedly stabbed Jodie Willsher to death in the aisle of an Aldi supermarket in Skipton, North Yorks, on Thursday afternoon.
Shoppers and staff came to the young mother's aid and restrained a man at the scene wrapping his legs in clingfilm to restrain him until the police arrived.
Mrs Willsher was rushed to hospital but was declared dead a short time later.
On Saturday, Mr Hord, who is from Bradford, was flanked and handcuffed to two security officers as he appeared at York Magistrates Court.
Wearing a blue quilted T-shirt and grey shorts, he only spoke to confirm his name and address during the three-minute hearing.
Magistrates remanded him into custody charged with the murder of Mrs Willsher.
Prior to her murder Mrs Willsher, who was married with a five-year-old daughter, had taken her daughter to visit Father Christmas and was wearing a festive jumper for work that day.
Her husband Malcolm, 36, and their daughter, who had recently started at primary school, were being comforted by family and police liaison officers as forensics officers continued to examine the scene of the attack.
In an emotional tribute to his wife, Mr Willsher said: “She was lovely and warm and always had a smile on her face. She was amazing, beautiful and a lovely person. She was a doting mother and a loving wife.”
North Yorkshire Police said Mrs Willsher suffered multiple serious injuries and died at the store on Keighley Road at about 3.30pm.
It is understood Mr Hord, who ran a heating and plumbing and heating business in the area, was the former partner of Mrs Willsher's mother, Nicole Dinsdale, who friends say has been "utterly destroyed" by the tragedy.
The town council's mayor Andy Rankine said those who live in Skipton were "in shock and grieving" over the loss of Mrs Willsher.
Colin Breslin, regional managing director at Aldi, said Mrs Willsher was a "much loved and popular colleague", and that they were all deeply shocked and saddened by her murder.
Floral tributes to Mrs Willsher have been left at the edge of the police cordon around the store, which is closed until further notice.
Matthew Barnes, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: "Everyone at Aldi is heartbroken by this devastating news. Our deepest sympathy goes to Jodie's family, friends and colleagues.
"We are doing everything we can to support our people and all those affected during this difficult time."
Mr Hord, whose company Shem Systems Ltd was dissolved in October, will appear at Leeds Crown Court on December 28.
