A young woman who was charged with murder following the death of a 45-year-old in a block of flats has appeared in court.

Katie Linin, 23, stood with guards in the dock as she spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The court’s legal advisor told her: ‘This is a murder charge with the offence on August 9 of this year when it is said that you murdered Craig Mintram.

‘This offence is indictable only and can only be tried at the Crown Court.’

Mr Mintram was pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday morning at a block of flats in Southampton.

Chairman of the bench Spencer Shaw remanded Linin into custody ahead of an appearance at Southampton Crown Court tomorrow.

Hampshire Constabulary last night said Linin, from Bournemouth in Dorset, has been charged with murder after Mr Mintram’s death.

‘The charge follows the reported assault of a man at an address on Weston Lane, Southampton at 4.21am on Sunday’, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said.

‘Officers attended the property but Craig was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

‘His family were notified and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.’

A 54-year-old man from Southampton was arrested in connection with the incident but has been released from custody without any further action to be taken against him.

Linin remains in custody and will appear at Southampton Crown Court on August 13.