A man accused of murdering his girlfriend on New Year's Day sat shaking and crying in court this morning.
Police found the body of Magdalena Pacult, 46, when they responded to concerns for the safety of a woman at a home in Stockbridge Village.
The discovery sparked a murder investigation, with the Custley Hey property cordoned off and forensics officers called in to examine the scene.
A 48-year-old man was taken into custody for questioning by murder squad detectives, while specialist support was given to Ms Pacult's family.
A Home Office post-mortem examination found Ms Pacult died from a combination of "blunt force trauma" and "mechanical asphyxiation".
Piotr Cichy, of Custley Hey, Stockbridge Village, was charged with murder and today appeared in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
Cichy, with short grey hair and wearing a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, was assisted by a Polish interpreter during the short hearing.
The alleged killer staggered into the dock, helped by two security officers, and District Judge Jack McGarva told him he didn't have to stand.
Cichy, who spoke only to confirm his personal details and shook throughout, sniffed and rubbed his face as the allegation was read to him.
Andrew Page, prosecuting, said the charge was an indictable only offence, which due to its seriousness could only be heard at a higher court.
He opposed any application for bail, which was not requested by Ian Sheridan, defending, who did not make any representations.
Judge McGarva said Cichy would next appear at Liverpool Crown Court, for a plea and trial preparation hearing, on January 6.
He asked Cichy to stand, who had to be helped up by a dock officer holding his arm, before remanding him in custody.
*Anyone with details that could help the investigation is asked to contact Merseyside Police on Twitter (via @MerPolCC), by calling 101 quoting reference 712 of January 1, 2020 or ringing Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
