A SOUTHAMPTON man has made his first appearance at crown court for the alleged murder of his partner in a city flat.

Steven Waters, 54, of Napier House, Paynes Road, Freemantle, is accused of the murder of Anita Bawtree, 34, at their home on Tuesday, April 19.

A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Bawtree died from stab wounds.

Mr Waters made a fiveminute appearance yesterday at the city’s Law Courts before the Recorder of Winchester, Judge Keith Cutler.

Judge Cutler remanded Mr Waters in custody until a plea and case management hearing at Winchester on July 22.

There was no application for bail.