Hollie Gazzard death: Asher Maslin to face trial

Hollie Gazzard was described by her family as "the brightest star"

The ex-boyfriend of a hairdresser who was stabbed to death while working at a salon will face trial this year.

Asher Maslin, 22, of Benhall Gardens, Cheltenham, appeared at Bristol Crown Court accused of the murder of Hollie Gazzard on 18 February.

He is alleged to have killed the 20-year-old hairdresser as she worked at Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty salon in Gloucester city centre.

A trial is likely to take place in October at Gloucester Crown Court.

Mr Maslin was remanded into custody until a plea and case management hearing in May, which will take place at Bristol Crown Court.

'Brightest star'

The brief hearing was attended by members of both Miss Gazzard's and the defendant's families.

After Miss Gazzard's death, her family said "the brightest star" in their lives had gone out.

Last week, a police watchdog launched an independent investigation into Gloucestershire Police's contact with Miss Gazzard before her death.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the force had referred itself the day after she died.

The investigation will examine contact between Miss Gazzard and the force and there will also be an analysis of how similar matters have been handled by officers.