A man accused of killing the niece of famous comedian Tommy Cooper is to go on trial next year charged with her murder.
Sabrina Cooper, 68, was found dead at an address in Eastbourne, East Sussex, at around 6.45pm on Sunday following a report of concerns for her welfare.
Officers found the former magic shop owner, the daughter of Tommy Cooper’s brother David, lying dead inside the house.
Tony King, 59, appeared at Lewes Crown Court today charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Tony King (pictured outside Lewes Crown Court) is charged with the murder of Tommy Cooper’s niece Sabrina
Wearing a black leather jacket and with a white stubble and glasses, King spoke only to confirm his identity.
No pleas were entered during the hearing today.
Judge Christine Laing KC said there were ‘sad circumstances surrounding the case’ before adjourning it to next year.
King, who was remanded in custody, is due to enter pleas to both charges in March. He is due to go trial on in June.
Ms Cooper’s father was the brother of the late comedian and she ran a magic shop in Eastbourne named after the star, until it closed in April 2017.
She was a popular figure in the town, where she had lived for many years.
Ms Cooper was an animal lover and kept dogs and could regularly be seen in the seaside resort walking them.
Tributes have flooded in following her death on Sunday.
One resident said: ‘She was a lovely lady, well liked by everyone. It’s such a tragic thing.
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King pictured arriving at Lewes Crown Court earlier today, where he spoke only to confirm his identity
Local residents paid tribute to Sabrina Cooper (left) who ran the local Cooper’s Magic Shop in Eastbourne. Pictured: in 2017
Ms Cooper was the niece of comedian and magician Tommy Cooper, who died in 1984
‘The shop in Eastbourne – which was part fancy dress – was iconic and everyone remembers it well.’
Taking to social media, another resident said: ‘Kind lady, always remember her fancy dress shop. Very helpful. So sad.’
Another commented: ‘My partner worked for her in the shop. Lovely lady such a shame.’
A fourth added: ‘Such a sad end of a lovely lady’s life. I will always remember our chats when she was out with her lovely little dogs.’
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of Sussex Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with Sabrina’s family and friends at this difficult time. We are supporting them and keeping them updated on the progress of this fast-moving investigation.
Police attended a property in Eastbourne, where Ms Cooper was found dead, at around 6.45pm on Sunday
Forensic officers at the scene of the property in Eastbourne on Monday morning following the suspected murder
‘We understand this incident will also cause upset and concern in the community, and I would like to reassure people that this is being treated as an isolated incident involving people known to each other, and with no threat to the wider public.
‘We have already completed extensive inquiries and this has resulted in a person being arrested and charged within 48 hours of police initially attending the address.
‘Those inquiries will continue as the case progresses through the court, and we encourage anyone with concerns or information relating to what happened to get in touch with us.’
