Man appears before judge accused of murdering Wigan beautician Melissa Belshaw

Andrew Wadsworth, 36, of Cranfield Road, Hawkley Hall, is accused of killing beautician Melissa Belshaw in a knife attack at her home in Up Holland Road, Billinge, last Wednesday afternoon.

The former cage fighter is further charged with the attempted murder of a man at the home, assaulting two police officers, issuing threats to kill and possession of a bladed weapon.

Wadsworth appeared via video link from prison during a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday and did not enter a plea.

Judge Richard Mansell QC ordered that he be further remanded in custody pending a hearing at the same court on September 14 when it is expected that Wadsworth will enter his pleas.

A provisional trial date was set for November 16.

Tributes have been paid to Melissa who lived in Billinge with her 13-year-old daughter and was about to open a new beauty salon in Hallgate called The Lash Room. Only days before her death she had been on social media expressing how excited she had been about the new business venture.

It was only confirmed on Tuesday morning by Greater Manchester Police that the deceased was indeed Melissa, official identification now having been made.

A request was made that media not contact her family and allow them to grieve in peace.

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