Stephen Searle, 64, appears in court after body of Anne Searle, 62, was found in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on Saturday night

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A former Ukip councillor has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife.

Stephen Searle, 64, is accused of killing Anne Searle, 62, who was found unresponsive at an address in Stowmarket, Suffolk, at 10.30pm on Saturday. Paramedics attended the address in The Brickfields, but she was declared dead at the scene.

Suffolk police said a postmortem examination was conducted on Sunday and further tests were needed.

Stephen Searle, an ex-Royal Marine commando, appeared at Ipswich magistrates court via video link from Bury St Edmunds police station.

He spoke only to confirm his personal details during the brief hearing and showed no reaction throughout. He was remanded in custody to appear at Ipswich crown court on Wednesday. No plea was taken.

Searle is a former Ukip councillor for Suffolk county council. He represented the Stowmarket South division from 2013 until 2017, when he stood for re-election but lost his seat.