Tributes to alleged murder victim

The family of a Northampton woman found dead last week have been paying tribute to her.

Nicola DeSousa was found at her home in Oakley Street in the Mounts on Friday.  It's thought she may have been dead for several days before she was discovered.

The 31 year old's family have issued a statement saying: "We will all miss Nicola very much. She always used to make time to come and see us and often stayed with us over the weekends.

“Nicola was a caring, intelligent, fun-loving girl who was an extremely family-oriented person. She had a special presence about her and brought a lot of joy and laughter to our lives.

“She had a happy childhood and grew up in the family home in Northampton with her mum, dad and younger sister.

Nicola was a girl who had dreams and ambitions, a creative and artistic individual who proved to be a budding photographer and artist and was always trying to better herself.

“She deserved a chance in life and we are devastated by her tragic death.

Nicola's boyfriend, 42 year old Stephen Jewell, has appeared in Crown Court accused of her murder.  He has yet to enter a plea and he's been remanded in custody for several weeks pending psychiatric reports and more pathology tests on Nicola's body.