Sam Varley: Killed woman was kindest person, says charity boss

Ms Varley has been described as a "light within the community"

Tributes have been paid to a West Yorkshire woman described as a "light within the community" after a man was charged with her murder.

Sam Varley, 44, was found dead at a house in Leeds on Monday 12 February.

Warren Spence, 54, is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday charged with her killing.

Becky Joyce from the Leeds-based Homeless Street Angels charity, which supported Ms Varley, said she was "the loveliest and kindest person".

Warren Spence, 54, has been charged with Ms Varley's murder

Ms Varley's body was discovered at a property on Brown Hill Terrace in the Harehills area.

She had been supported by the charity for about five years, Ms Joyce said.

"She was a real character," recalled Ms Joyce, whose charity helps hundreds of people living on the streets and in supported accommodation.

She also remembered how Ms Varley, who was from Leeds, loved music.

"When I used to take her to appointments we used to have CDs on, she used to make me put the radio on really loud.

"She will be very missed by the whole community, she was such a light within the community and everybody loved her.

"Everybody has nice words to say about her."

Mr Spence, of Compton View, Harehills, was remanded in custody after appearing at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

West Yorkshire Police asked anyone who saw either Ms Varley or Mr Spence in the week before she was found dead to contact them.

Det Insp James Entwistle said: "It is important that we understand the timeline of what has taken place, and we are urging anyone who can help us understand both Sam and Warren's movements prior to her death to please come forward."