Groom, 45, appears in court for first time over murder of his new bride, 52, whose body was found stuffed inside a suitcase four days after their wedding
A newlywed husband appeared in court today charged with murdering his new bride after her body was discovered dumped in a suitcase.
Dawn Walker, 52, was found dead close to her home in Lightcliffe, near Halifax in West Yorkshire, just four days after she tied the knot with Thomas Nutt, 45.
Within hours of the chilling discovery on Sunday, police arrested Nutt on suspicion of murder, and he was charged with murder last night.
Nutt appeared at Bradford Magistrates' Court this morning, and is said to have killed Miss Walker between last Wednesday and Sunday.
Dressed today in a prison-issue grey jumper and jogging bottoms, Nutt - who was produced from the cells - spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
After being read the charge, Nutt was told it was too serious for the court and he will appear before Bradford Crown Court tomorrow. He was remanded in custody.
Dawn Walker, 52, and Thomas Nutt, 45, married at a registry office in Halifax last Wednesday
School worker Dawn Walker became engaged to Thomas Nutt (together) in January 2020
Miss Walker, pictured with Nutt, worked at a local secondary school and was a grandmother
Chairman of the Magistrates, Mrs Storr, told Nutt today: 'This case is too serious to be heard at this court and will be passed onto the crown court. You will next appear before the court on November 4.'
Yesterday, officers continued to stand guard outside the couple's red-brick semi and a cordon was placed around the alleyways leading to playing fields about 200 yards away – where her body was discovered by an unknown member of the public.A local man, who was a guest at the couple's wedding, said: 'Somebody has found the suitcase in bushes in the field and opened it to find her inside.'
Miss Walker, who worked at a local secondary school and was a grandmother with three adult daughters from previous relationships, got engaged to Nutt in January 2020.
West Yorkshire Police arrested Miss Walker's news husband following her death
Police arrested Nutt for allegedly murdering Miss Walker only days after their wedding
Devastated friends have been shocked by the death of 'kind, caring and friendly' Miss Walker
Nutt, a scrap dealer who also has three children from an earlier relationship, moved into the house a year ago.
The couple married at Halifax Register Office last Wednesday and a small number of guests joined them at the Prince Albert pub for a low-key reception.
Photos of the bride dressed in red and the groom in a grey suit were posted on social media.
Another unnamed wedding guest said: 'Dawn and Tommo were so in love. I can't believe what has happened. It is just so terrible for something as tragic as this to happen so soon after the marriage.'
Dawn Walker had only been married for a matter of days before her body was discovered
Friends have described 'generous' Miss Walker as 'the soundest person you could meet'
Last night police released a statement from Miss Walker's family, reading: 'We write this with a very heavy heart that yesterday we lost a loving daughter, mother, nanna, sister, auntie and friend.
'In circumstances beyond our control, you were taken from us so suddenly.'
Miss Walker's eldest child Codie-Marie Shaw, 29, wrote on Facebook: 'I'm still trying to figure out if I'm dreaming or not. I'm hoping I wake up soon.
'You were taken away so cruelly and just dumped like you were worth nothing. Our family is broken and torn apart because of someone's selfish and disgusting actions.'
Miss Walker's sister Lisa commented: 'My heart is truly broken.' She also posted a photo of Miss Walker with the question: 'My beautiful sister, why?'
Officers were called to reports of a body found close to[ at a property in Lightcliffe on Sunday
A police officer stands outside at a property in Lightcliffe, near Halifax, following the discovery
Yesterday afternoon, relatives laid bouquets of flowers and lit candles outside a property in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.
One tribute read: 'Words can't describe how much we will miss you. You have been taken far too soon and so cruelly. We love you so much.'
The family then walked down to the area where her body was found.
West Yorkshire Police said officers were called at 4.38pm on Sunday to reports of a body in the Aysgarth Avenue area of Lightcliffe.
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