Wirral man Neil Roy Johnson charged over wife’s murder

Feb 29 2012 by Gemma Jaleel, Heswall News

‘She was a lovely lady and she always said hello.’

A MAN appeared in court charged with murdering his wife.

Neil Roy Johnson, 54, of Ternway, Moreton, was charged with the murder of 43-year-old Debbie Johnson.

Paramedics were called to the house and found Mrs Johnson suffering from serious head injuries.

She was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died the next day. A post mortem revealed she died from head injuries.

Today neighbours paid tribute to Mrs Johnson, who is believed to have a teenage son and daughter who are currently being cared for by a relative.

A floral tribute lay on the doorstep of the semi-detached house which simply read: “Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.”

A neighbour, Pauline Clark, said she was completely shocked.

She added: “My thoughts are with those kids and the family. It’s really affected us, so I can’t begin to imagine how it’s affecting them.

“We saw the ambulances and police turn up and they had a cordon up for the rest of the day. Then there were forensics going in and out of the house. Her sister has been here too – it’s just horrendous.

“They were just an ordinary couple. When they moved in last August they introduced themselves and the children. He drives a council mini bus picking up kids and she worked in a bank.”

She added that the couple also worked as Avon representatives.

Another neighbour, Patricia Wallace, said: “I didn’t know her that well because they only moved in a few months ago, but she was a lovely lady and always said hello when she saw me.”

Emergency services were called to the house at around 12.30pm on Thursday. Johnson was arrested at the scene and charged with murder on Friday night.

He appeared before Birkenhead Magistrates Court on Saturday morning and at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody to reappear for a preliminary hearing on March 16.

A spokesman for Santander, where Mrs Johnson worked in Birkenhead, said: “Santander is shocked by the news. We would like to express our sympathy to Debbie’s friends and family.

“We are offering support to our staff members at this difficult time.”

Merseycare Transport Services Ltd who provide community transport and hold contracts with Wirral Borough Council confirmed Neil Johnson had worked for them, but declined to make any further comment.

An Avon spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

‘‘As this is a police matter we will not comment any further.”