A Italian vet accused of stabbing a mother-of-two to death at her seaside home has appeared in court charged with murder.
Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, allegedly knifed veterinary nurse Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, at her ground floor flat in a quiet cul-de-sac in Alum Chine, Bournemouth, Dorset on May 12 this year.
Police were called to her home by the ambulance service at 12.19pm but she was found to be dead at the scene.
Dressed in a grey jumper and trousers, Fioletti today appeared at Winchester Crown Court and spoke only to confirm his name.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at court again on September 15 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Stephanie Hodgkinson suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest in the incident
Dr Alberto Fioletti has been charged with murder over the incident earlier this month
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Floral tributes and candles were left outside the property following Mrs Hodgkinson’s death, which shocked the local community.
Neighbours said she was estranged from her husband and had lived in the flat with her children for about five years.
She worked as a veterinary nurse at the Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists based in Ringwood, Hampshire.
Police found the 34-year-old dead at her home after they were called by ambulance services
A spokesperson for SCVS said: ‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Stephanie’s family at this tragic time.
‘As this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings, we are unable to comment further.’
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Stephanie’s family and we are continuing to provide updates of developments from our investigation to them.
‘We will continue to do all we can to support them.’
