A WOMAN has appeared before magistrates charged with the murder of Martin Rusling.

Carol Kemp, aged 44, was told that she faces the charge of murder after the death of her 43-year-old partner.

The Torquay woman spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.

She remained expressionless throughout proceedings and was in the dock wearing a large blue T-shirt and trousers.

Kemp was remanded in custody and ordered to appear before Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, January 4, for a plea and case management hearing.

The community in Portland was left shocked this week after the death of Mr Rusling, who worked as a laminator for Tods Aerospace Defence in Wide Street. He was found with stab wounds at 1.27am on Wednesday, December 28, at his house and was pronounced dead at the scene.