Man accused of killing Georgina Ward in 2020 appears in Dudley court

A man has appeared in court charged with manslaughter, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Daniel Birtwistle, 39, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, appeared by video link at Dudley magistrates court on Thursday morning, where he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

He has been charged in relation to the death of 24-year-old Georgina Ward, a “brilliant, creative and talented” tattoo artist, who was found dead at her Dudley home in November 2020.

As well as the charge of manslaughter, Birtwistle has been charged with two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour and three counts of assault in relation to Ward, whom he dated between August 2019 and November 2020.

In a statement, Georgina Ward's family said she ‘loved deeply and unconditionally, putting the needs of others above her own’. Photograph: West Midlands Police/PA

“Georgina was a remarkable young woman,” her family said in a statement. “A daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend who brought laughter and light into the lives of those she touched.

“She was a brilliant, creative and talented tattoo artist with a promising future and career in the industry, whose artwork is now a lasting legacy.

“Georgina loved deeply and unconditionally, putting the needs of others above her own. Her capacity for empathy, and compassion towards people, animals and those less fortunate, was immeasurable. She was a protector, a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of love in a world that often forgets the importance of kindness.

“Georgina will be forever remembered and loved for her funny, caring nature and being unapologetically herself,” her family added.

“Our lives have been changed irrevocably by her loss, and she is missed beyond measure, which is an absolute testament to the person she was. Beautiful, inside and out.”

Birtwistle has also been charged with a further six counts of assault and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to three other women.

At the brief hearing, he was bailed until his next court appearance. Magistrates imposed conditions on his bail, which stated he must not make contact with any of the other three alleged victims, must live at a specific address, and must surrender his passport at a police station.

Birtwistle, who was not asked to enter a plea, is due to appear at Wolverhampton crown court on 13 November for a plea and case management hearing.