Ex-husband in court over suitcase murder in Leicester Published duration 19 January 2017

image copyright Leicestershire Police image caption Kiran Daudia's family described her as a "much-loved mum, daughter, sister and auntie"

A man charged with the murder of his ex-wife after her body was found in a suitcase in an alleyway has appeared in court.

Ashwin Daudia, 50, of Lyme Road, Leicester, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court accused of killing Kiran Daudia.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Mrs Daudia, 46, was discovered by a member of the public on Tuesday morning in Cromer Street, Leicester.

The court heard Mrs Daudia was killed on the day the estranged pair's home was officially sold.

In a statement, her family said she was a "much-loved mum, daughter, sister and auntie".

Her employers, Next, also paid tribute saying Kiran was a long-standing, much loved and highly respected member of the customer services team.

"Our thoughts are with her family, friends and co-workers at this saddest of times," the firm said.

Mr Daudia, who spoke through a Gujarati interpreter, was remanded into custody and will appear at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

image caption An alleyway was cordoned off to allow forensic officers to examine the area