‘Heart of gold': Devastated sister pays tribute to Sheffield murder victim

Simone Hancock, aged 55, was stabbed in a flat on Ravenscroft Place, Richmond, on Saturday, July 4.

She was taken to hospital but could not be saved and was pronounced dead an hour later.

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Kerry Taylor, 41, of Ravenscroft Place, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody.

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She was due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday for her first hearing in the case.

A 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains released under investigation.

Tributes have been paid to Simone, who was a mum and grandmother, on Facebook.

Her sister Yasmin Gregory said: “This is my sister and we her family are totally heartbroken to have her taken away from us in this cowardly way. She was beautiful with a heart of gold.”

Her niece, Leanne Joel, added: “My aunt, wish I'd told u (sic) I did love you.”

Simone’s sister Sopheana Cartledge, described her as ‘my baby sista (sic)’ and added: “I can’t deal with it, I really can’t.”

Linda Elizabeth, Deborah Hague and Paula Young all described Simone as ‘lovely’.

Debbie Gray described the death as ‘so, so sad’ and added: “Known you forever. Rest in peace Simone.”

Detectives investigating the murder want to hear from anyone with information.

Call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 1,202 of July 4.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555111.