PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Veterinary nurse mother-of-two, 34, found stabbed to death in quiet cul-de-sac as Italian vet, 31, appears in court charged with her murder
- Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, is accused of stabbing 34-year-old Stephanie Hodgkinson
- The mother-of-two died after suffering a single stab wound to the chest
Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, (pictured) appeared in court charged with murder
An Italian vet today appeared in court charged with murdering a veterinary nurse in her suburban beachside home.
Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, is accused of stabbing Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, to death at her ground floor flat on Rosemount Road, Bournemouth.
The veterinary nurse died after suffering a single stab wound to her chest at her home on a quiet cul-de-sac, located just minutes from Alum Chine Beach.
Police discovered the 34-year-old dead in her home at 12.19pm on May 12 after being called to the incident by ambulance services.
Fioletti, 31, who was known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of murder and also taken to hospital for serious injuries sustained during the same incident.
Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, (pictured left) was found dead at her flat on Rosemount Road, Bournemouth near Alum Chine Beach
Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, was found dead at her ground floor flat on a quiet suburban cul de sac in Bournemouth near Alum Chine Beach
Police found the 34-year-old dead at her home after they were called by ambulance services
The vet was charged with Mrs Hodgkinson’s murder after being well enough to be discharged from hospital.
Fioletti, of West Street, in the nearby town of Fordingbridge, Hampshire, today appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court via a video link.
He spoke only to confirm his name and address at a short hearing.
The vet has been remanded in custody and will appear at Winchester Crown Court tomorrow.
Floral tributes and candles were left outside the property following Mrs Hodgkinson’s death, which shocked the local community.
Neighbours said she was estranged from her husband and had lived in the flat with her children for about five years.
She worked as a veterinary nurse at the Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists based in Ringwood, Hampshire.
A spokesperson for the veterinary surgery said: ‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Stephanie’s family at this tragic time.
‘As this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings, we are unable to comment further.’
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Stephanie’s family and we are continuing to provide updates of developments from our investigation to them. We will continue to do all we can to support them.’
