A man has appeared in court this week, charged with the murder of a woman who died after allegedly being hit by a vehicle in Highbridge.
The body of artist Laura Biss, pictured, was found on Burnham Road in Highbridge during the early hours of 20th January.
Christopher Harris, 35, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday and was remanded into custody to face trial on 23rd July.
He also faces a charge of causing the 34-year-old’s death by dangerous driving in a Vauxhall Combo van.
Mr Harris did not enter pleas to the charges against him during the short hearing.
The incident took place at around 2.20am on January 20th when Laura was walking along Burnham Road.
Her body was found in the road by a member of the public who alerted the police.
Laura’s family said in a statement after the tragedy: “Laura was a beautiful daughter, a fantastic mother and a great sister.”
“She was sensitive, caring and compassionate and would think nothing of going out of her way to help others.”
“She had a great sense of humour which made her very popular. She touched so many people’s lives in a positive way.”
“She was also a talented artist, who had a great future ahead of her.”
“Words cannot express what her loss means to all her family and friends – we are heartbroken and totally devastated.”
Flowers with poignant messages remain at the scene of the death and among the tributes is one from a friend of Laura which reads: “Such a devastating loss. Your beautiful face will be hugely missed. Heaven has gained another angel. Rest in peace. Never to be forgotten.”
