Man charged with killing a mum of two from Ilkeston

Sarah Henshaw's family pay tribute to a “wonderful” daughter and a fantastic mum.

Author: Katy WhitePublished 28th Jun 2023
Last updated 28th Jun 2023

A man has been charged in connection with the alleged murder of Sarah Henshaw in Ilkeston.

Darren Hall who is 36 and from Rodney Way in the town will appear in court on Wednesday 28th June.

Sarah's body was found in a layby off the M1 near Derbyshire 6 days after she was last seen.

Officers remain keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Transit van, registration beginning YP16, in the early hours of Wednesday 21st June 2023 around the area of J29 of the M1 and the A617 towards Chesterfield.

Sarah's family pay tribute

Her mum Lorraine has released a statement through Derbyshire Police.

“Sarah was my first-born child – and was a wonderful daughter and sister. She was also a fantastic mum to her two girls, who she loved so much. Sarah would always put others first and was always incredibly kind. As a family we are all devastated by her death. We miss her so much and will love her forever.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up in Sarah's memory to raise money for her funeral and as a contribution to the future of her two young daughters.

A man's appeared in Court

36 year old Darren appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court for the first time on Wednesday morning (28th June), with prosecutor Peter Bettany telling the court the case was not suitable for bail.

Balbir Samra, chair of the bench of magistrates, remanded Hall, of Rodney Way, Ilkeston, into further custody to appear at Derby Crown Court on Friday.

He said: "Your case can't be dealt with here. It is being sent to the crown court, Derby Crown Court, and your next appearance will be at 9.30am on June 30.

"Please go with the officers. You are remanded in custody."

Wearing a grey tracksuit and jumper and flanked by two dock officers, Hall spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth in a short hearing at the court in Derby.

Amie Godson, representing him, made no representations.

Members of Ms Henshaw's family packed the public gallery in court and remained silent throughout the hearing.

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