Husband appears in court charged with murdering his wife, 40, who died in devastating house fire
A HUSBAND today appeared in court charged with killing his wife in a devastating house fire.
Valentina Cozma, 40, died after a blaze was started in her home in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on February 9.
Police launched an urgent search for her husband Georgian Constantin in connection with the horror.
He has now appeared at Stafford Crown Court charged with murder.
The 42-year-old is also charged with making threats to kill.
Constantin was remanded into custody to next appear for a hearing on March 17.
Read more news
Officers were scrambled to the burning home at around 3pm on February 9.
Sadly Valentina could not be saved with a post mortem confirming she died from inhalation of products of combustion.
In an emotional tribute, Valentina’s sister described her as a someone who "never gave up".
The loved one said: “Vali was the person I could talk to about anything. She offered me support whenever I needed it.
Most read in The Sun
"She always tried to keep the family together. Being an older sister, she made sure we didn't lack anything, even if she didn't have a thing.
"She went through a lot of hard times, yet she never gave up. I am appealing for help from anyone who has details that could help in solving this case”.
