Tributes have been paid to a woman described as a “light within the community” after a man was charged with her murder.
Sam Varley, 44, was found dead at a house in the Harehills area of Leeds on 12 February after the police received reports of concern for a woman believed to be inside.
West Yorkshire police said Warren Spence, 54, had been charged with her murder. He appeared at Leeds crown court on 20 February via video link from HMP Leeds in Armley. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Becky Joyce from the Leeds-based Homeless Street Angels charity, which supported Varley, told the BBC she was “the loveliest and kindest person”. She had been supported by the charity, which helps hundreds of people living on the streets and in supported accommodation, for about five years, Joyce said.
“She was a real character,” Joyce said. She also remembered how Varley, who was from Leeds, loved music. “When I used to take her to appointments, we used to have CDs on, she used to make me put the radio on really loud.
“She will be very missed by the whole community. She was such a light within the community and everybody loved her … Everybody has nice words to say about her.”
Spence, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Leeds crown court on 19 March.
West Yorkshire police asked anyone who saw Varley or Spence in the week before she was found dead to contact them.
DI James Entwistle said: “It is important that we understand the timeline of what has taken place, and we are urging anyone who can help us understand both Sam and Warren’s movements prior to her death to please come forward.”
