Police officer appears in court charged with murdering his wife

Leanne McKie was also a serving officer for GMP.

Published 2nd Oct 2017
Last updated 3rd Oct 2017

A police sergeant has appeared in court accused of murdering his wife, herself a detective with the same force.

Darren McKie, 43, is alleged to have murdered his wife, Leanne McKie, 39, at the home they shared with their three young children in Wilmslow, Cheshire on Thursday evening.

Both served with Greater Manchester Police.

McKie, unshaven and wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, was flanked by two dock officers as he appeared at Crewe Magistrates' Court.

His handcuffs were taken off and he nodded to confirm his name, age and address to the court clerk during the hearing, which lasted less than a minute.

Two elderly relatives, believed to be the defendant's parents, sat in the public gallery.

No plea was entered and reporting restrictions were not lifted.

Rachel Barber, prosecuting, told magistrates the charge of murder can only be dealt with at the Crown Court, which will also deal with an application for bail by the defendant.

Gavin Wells, chair of the bench, remanded McKie into custody overnight.

He told the defendant: "You are being sent to Chester Crown Court for the offence of murder, you are to appear there tomorrow at 10am for a bail application.''