A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of Michael Redpath after a fire in Swindon last week.

Patricia Louise Hindle appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with the offence after the blaze at a property in Albion Street on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at 9.16pm with firefighters rescuing Mr Redpath, 62, from the house.

He was taken to the Great Western Hospital by the South Western Ambulance Service, but later died from his injuries.

Hindle, 29, of Crombey Street, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Due to the seriousness of the offence the case has been referred to Bristol Crown Court for trial.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place in Bristol at 10am on Tuesday. Hindle is expected to appear via video link for the initial proceedings.

Former Honda forklift operator Mr Redpath, known locally as Mick, led a life blighted by alcohol. He had been in prison several times and had been convicted of over 20 alcohol-related offences.

Neil Wiles, who alerted the emergency services of the fire, tried to rescue Mr Redpath from the property.

“He was still a human being, with all his problems, and in death deserves as much respect as anyone else,” he said.

In 2010, Mr Redpath was the first man to be banned from his home village, after he was barred from Wanborough for five years because of alcohol-fueled disputes with his neighbours.

Mr Redpath’s post mortem took place on Thursday and the coroner found that he died of smoke inhalation and burns.

His next of kin have been informed of his death.

Wiltshire Police cordoned off the scene and also carried out enquiries in neighbouring streets.

Police are keen to hear from anyone with information about the incident on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.