A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of a mother from Burnley. 

Nicola Haworth was found dead at her home in Wilton Street on Friday, July 22.


Her nine-month-old baby daughter was found unharmed at the house. 
A post-mortem examination established the 33-year-old died of asphyxiation.
Gary Fletcher, 34, of Wilton Street, was charged on Monday evening in connection with her death. 


After becoming homeless, Ms Haworth was a resident at Emmaus Burnley for a year and volunteered in their shop in Ivy Street. 

MORE TOP STORIES:

James Balderstone, 30, who is an administrator at Emmaus, paid tribute to her. 


He said: “She was lovely. She was really nice and would go out of her way to help you. She could not do enough to help. She had a really kind personality and looked after all of our other residents. 

“She was a mother-figure to the other residents. She was generous, kind and got on well with everyone. 

“A lot of evenings she spent time baking in the kitchen and she would be in residents’ rooms playing computer games. She was just friends with everyone.” 

He said it was a massive shock when they heard what had happened. 

“Everyone who knew her is absolutely devastated and could not believe it had happened to her.” 


After leaving the accommodation, Ms Haworth continued to volunteer in the shop and would often pop into the office with her daughter.


Flowers have been left outside the store and a collection has been started by Emmaus for her family. 


A memorial page has also been set up on Facebook. 


Lee Spinelli wrote on the page: “We miss you Nicola so much. When you were taken it was the saddest day of all our lives. 


“It is always the best and most innocent souls that are taken and you are the best. 


“We are so sad we lost you but you always be in our hearts and as we grow you will grow with us. You will sadly be missed but always be remembered. We love you.” 


Describing her as a caring, loving and generous young woman, Diane Duxbury wrote: “I knew Nicola when she was a teenager. She was a lovely girl - very shy, but always smiling.” 


And Kelly Price said: “Nicola you were a beautiful lady. 

“You became a mother only some can dream of being. 

“You were a breath of fresh air and will be missed by many. Sleep tight.” 

At the time of her death her brother Robert Haworth paid tribute to a “fantastic mummy, sister and auntie”. 

He said: “My sister was a beautiful woman who was a caring, loving, remarkable person. 

“Life will never be the same for me or my beautiful niece. 

“We will always remember you Nicola Joanne. You are now back with mum and dad and always know I loved you.” 

Fletcher, who was also charged with child neglect, will next appear at Preston Crown Court on August 11.