Relatives of a man accused of stabbing a mother to death in Aldi have said words “cannot convey their sorrow” over her family’s loss during the Christmas period.
Jodie Willsher, 30, was working at the supermarket in the North Yorkshire town of Skipton when she was attacked.
Customers and staff pinned down a suspect but Mrs Willsher died of her injuries in hospital.
Neville Hord has been accused of murder and entered no plea at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.
“Neville's family wish to express our sincere condolences to Jodie's family at what should have been a time of joy and happiness for them,” said a statement from lawyers.
"No words can convey our sorrow for this tragic turn of events…it has affected both families very deeply."
Mr Hord, 44, spoke only to confirm his full name, date of birth and British nationality at the 10-minute hearing.
His family members were in court to see him being remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 26 January at Bradford Crown Court.
The close-knit community in Skipton was shocked at Mrs Willsher’s death, making a floral memorial outside Aldi and leaving tributes online.
Friends described the victim and her husband as “so in love”, describing their happiness with their four-year-old daughter.
Malcolm Willsher described his wife as "lovely and warm", adding: ”She was amazing, beautiful and a lovely person. She was a doting mother and a loving wife.”
Additional reporting by PA
