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Man charged with murder of Amplius manager to face trial in August
A 50-year-old man accused of murdering Helen Bird, who was the customer voice and influence manager at Amplius, will face trial in August, police have said.
Man charged with murder of Amplius manager to face trial in August #UKhousingThe 47-year-old mother of two was allegedly attacked by James Daniel Bird inside a property in Chelveston on 2 February.
She was rushed to hospital but died several days later on 10 February. Her cause of death was head injuries, a coroner provisionally found.
Mr Bird of High Street, Chelveston appeared at Northampton Crown Court on 18 March, charged with Ms Bird’s murder.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, the accused appeared via video link, and did not apply for bail.
A provisional trial date of 3 August was set at his last appearance, with Mr Bird remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Northampton Crown Court on 24 April.
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He was originally charged with attempted murder, but after Helen’s death, the charge was upgraded to murder.
When the news first broke in February, Amplius said everyone at the housing association was “devastated by the tragic passing” of Ms Bird, who had worked there for 12 years.
Craig Taylor, director of customer operations, said: “We’re shocked and completely devastated by what has happened.
“Helen was a genuinely lovely person, an extremely popular colleague and someone who built up a real rapport with our involved customers.
“She cared passionately about improving people’s lives. That enthusiasm clearly came through in everything Helen did, as she worked tirelessly for our customers.
“Our thoughts are with Helen’s family, her friends and her colleagues at this awful time.”
In a statement released by the police, Ms Bird’s family said she was a “deeply loved daughter, devoted mother of two, sister and friend”.
The tribute continued: “She was kind, selfless and loyal to her family, with her children always at the centre of her world.
“Helen’s warmth, compassion and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. We are devastated by her loss and immensely proud of the woman she was.
“We respectfully ask that our privacy is honoured as we try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, and we are grateful for the support shown to us at this difficult time.
“Helen will always be loved and forever remembered.”
Matt Bly, senior investigating officer at Northamptonshire Police, said the police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder, but asked anyone with any information to contact the authorities.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who loved this woman at what is a very distressing time, and specially trained officers are supporting her family,” he added.
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