Man in court charged with murdering woman in Stoke-on-Trent
It happened a month ago
A man, accused of murdering a 24 year-old woman, has appeared in court.
Kyle Pala, 30, was charged with the murder of Sarah-Louise Pennington in Stoke-on-Trent by Staffordshire Police, after officers were called to an address in Oakwell Court, Longton, at around 3.30am on July 12.
Miss Pennington was found dead inside, the force said.
Appearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today (Wednesday), Pala was not asked to enter a plea.
Wearing a grey polo shirt, Pala, of Oakwell Court in Oakwell Grove, Longton, answered “yes” and put his thumb up, when asked to confirm his name by the court clerk.
In front of a public gallery, packed with the victim’s family and that of the defendant, Judge Sally Hancox said Pala would next appear in court in September to enter a plea.
Addressing the defendant, who did not appear to show any emotion in the dock, Judge Hancox said: “Kyle Pala, you can remain seated, but I need you to listen very carefully.
“You appear before this court on a single allegation of murder.
“You aren’t going to be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty today. I accept it is right that inquiries are made into your state of health and mental condition, both at the time of these appalling events and the present time.
“I am going to adjourn your case until September 28. You will be brought to this court on that date.”
She fixed a trial date, with a time estimate of 10 days, for January 4 2027.
The judge added: “Mr Pala this ends the hearing this morning, you must remain in custody.
“Thank-you for your attendance, you can go with the officer.”
Addressing the family members in the public gallery at the end of the hearing, Judge Hancox said she was “incredibly sorry for the difficult times you face”.