Man (33) in court accused of murdering Nelson mum

Carl Field, of St Philip’s Street, Nelson, was remanded in custody on Wednesday and appeared at Burnley Magistrates’ Court today accused of murdering Debra Walsh. He will appear at Preston Crown Court tomorrow.

Mum-of-one Debra (34) was found by police at her flat in Norfolk Street around 3 p.m. on Monday with severe facial and head injuries after calls from a concerned friend.

Jean Tate, the Salvation Army’s care in the community officer, knew Debra well, having helped her kick her heroin habit.

She said: “Debra was a lovely girl. She was a really good mother, she was clean when she had Luke and fought very hard to keep him. She’d often come in to see us and show us Luke. She was so proud when he was born. Luke was her life.

“I knew Debra for about six years or so when I helped her. She had spells where she was happy and others when she was down.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Howarth, who is leading the investigation, said: “As you would imagine, Debra’s family are devastated by what has happened and we have dedicated family liaison officers supporting them at this difficult time.”

Debra’s family added: “We are deeply shocked and devastated by the loss of Debra who was not only a loving daughter and wife, but also a wonderful mother to her four-year- old son.

“What happened to Debra is unimaginable and we are finding it difficult to take in what has happened, we can only hope justice will be done.”