A MAN has been charged with the murder of a Hampshire woman who died days after being found seriously ill.
Daniel McBride, of St Denys Road, took to the dock at Southampton Magistrates Court today accused of both the murder of Majella Lynch and of her manslaughter.
The 43-year-old, who is being held in custody, appeared for just a few minutes, dressed in a navy tracksuit top, to state his name, age and address.
No pleas were entered on either of the charges and he was remanded in custody, to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, December 8.
As previously reported, a major police investigation was launched by detectives in April this year after Ms Lynch was discovered seriously ill by paramedics, at her home in St Mary's Road, in Southampton, on Good Friday.
The 51-year-old was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital two days later, on Easter Sunday.
Police have this afternoon revealed that the cause of her death was septicemia as a result of injuries.
Ms Lynch, known to her friends as Maj, was said to have been well known in the community in which she lived as well as among workers at homesless charities the Society of St James and Two Saints.
At the time of her death, friends and neighbours paid tribute to her “generous” and “caring” nature.
Southampton Magistrates Court
Friend Kelly Randell, 32, from Southampton Street, said: “I knew her from the park. She was a very caring and loving person. It is a really bad shame she has gone. She was very well known round here - generous and caring.
“I felt shocked and sad, I heard what happened to her down at the day centre.”
Michael Simmons, 35, who also lives in the street, added: “I didn't know until a couple of days ago but I was shocked when the police told me.
“I feel bad for anyone who has gone.”
While, Paul Baker, who manages the Society of St James' Southampton Street hostel, added: “I think she was quite vulnerable. She was such a delicate little flower really.
“I'm very sad that she's gone. She was one of society's forgotten. She was absolutely harmless, very kind, very considerate.
“She was one person you couldn't not help because of her vulnerability and the states she would get into.”
Detectives from the Hampshire Major Investigation team continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and quoting Operation Biscuit.
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