A MAN faced court today charged with the murder of solicitor Linda Bakewell.

Philip Martins, aged 47, of Somerford Walk, on the Weates Close Estate, Widnes appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the two minute hearing.

He was committed to appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 30 and remanded in custody.

The body of 45-year-old Linda Bakewell, of Rainhill, was discovered inside the boot of a car parked in Shevington Walk, Widnes, at 8am on Wednesday, November 24.

A post mortem revealed she died from asphyxiation on Saturday, November 20.