Neville Hord attends brief hearing over alleged stabbing of Jodie Willsher in Skipton branch of supermarket

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The family of a man accused of stabbing a supermarket worker to death have said no words can convey their sorrow over the alleged murder.

Neville Hord appeared at Leeds crown court on Thursday charged with the murder of Jodie Willsher at an Aldi store in Skipton, North Yorkshire, a week ago.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Neville Hord. Photograph: Facebook

Before the 10-minute hearing, Hord’s relatives passed a statement to the media. It read: “Neville’s family wish to express our sincere condolences to Jodie’s family at what should have been a time of joy and happiness for them. No words can convey our sorrow for this tragic turn of events.”

Hord, 44, from Bradford, spoke only to confirm his full name, date of birth and British nationality. Members of his family sat in the public gallery as he was further remanded in custody by the recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC.

The case was adjourned until 26 January when Hord will attend Bradford crown court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Willsher, 30, suffered multiple serious injuries when she was attacked at about 3.30pm on 21 December while working at the Aldi on Keighley Road. Her husband, Malcolm, with whom she had a young daughter, described her as “lovely and warm”, adding: “She was amazing, beautiful and a lovely person. She was a doting mother and a loving wife.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jodie Willsher, who died last week. Photograph: PA

Her cousin Chris Swales posted on social media: “We lost a beautiful, fun-loving and caring person. How can life be so cruel?” He added: “You weren’t just my cousin Jodie, you were like the sister I never had and now I’m broken you’ve gone. Be the brightest star in the sky and sleep tight.”

Colin Breslin, Aldi’s regional managing director, said Willsher was a “much loved and popular colleague”, and that they were all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.