Andrew Burke, accused of killing Cassie Hayes at her workplace, is remanded in custody until plea hearing next month

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a travel agent at her workplace.



Cassie Hayes, 28, died in hospital from a wound to her throat inflicted on Saturday afternoon at the Tui branch in Southport town centre, where she was assistant manager.

Andrew Burke, 30, of St Helens, appeared at Liverpool crown court on Monday morning charged with murder and with possessing an offensive weapon – a black-handled knife – in a public place.

He spoke to confirm his name, age and address and told the court his nationality was white British.



Half a dozen members of Hayes’s family were in court for the short hearing.

No bail application was made and the recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone QC, remanded Burke in custody until 19 February, when he is expected to enter a plea. A provisional trial date was set for 2 July.

A postmortem examination found Hayes’s cause of death was shock and haemorrhaging as a result of the wound.

In a tribute issued through Merseyside police, her partner, Laura Williams, said: “Words will not explain my sorrow and loss. She is the most amazing, gorgeous, selfless and strong person I know. She is my future wife and my forever.”

The family of Hayes, who was originally from Alnwick, Northumberland, said: “Our whole lives have been shattered. This has torn our hearts from our bodies. Cassie was an amazing, kind human being who would do anything for anyone. She doted on all her family and our loss is beyond calculation.”