Pictured: Mother-of-two, 43, who was found dead at road junction

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The first picture of a mother-of-two who was found dead at a road junction with stab wounds to her neck, chest and back has been released by police.

The body of Emma McArthur, 43, was discovered at a remote road junction near Crookham Common, near Thornford Park Hospital, in Thatcham, Berkshire, around 11.45pm last Thursday.

Her ‘on-off boyfriend’ Christopher Minards, 35, an ex-Army medic, was charged with her murder. 

In a tribute released by her family, Miss McArthur was described as ‘spiritual, spontaneous and a free spirit’.

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This image, released by Thames Valley Police, is the first picture of mother-of-two Emma McArthur, 43, who was found dead at a road junction with stab wounds to her neck, chest

A statement released by Thames Valley Police on behalf of Emma’s family read: ‘Darling Emma, Spiritual, spontaneous and a free spirit – with a love of mother nature especially animals and the outdoors. You had a thirst for learning, new skills and could turn your hand to most things.

‘Practical – you have never shied away from life’s challenges, caring, thoughtful and always saw the best in everyone.

‘A mother who always put her children before herself and whose love touched all those who were blessed with being able to call her a friend.

‘Definitely unique and a one off. How empty our lives will be without you.

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McArthur’s ‘on-off boyfriend’ Christopher Minards, 35, an ex-Army medic, was charged with her murder. Pictured: Police block the road at the junction where Emma McArthur’s body was found

‘Spread your wings and follow your dreams. Loving mother, daughter and friend.’

Minards, from Thatcham, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of her murder. He’s also charged with being in possession of a knife in a public place. 

Wearing a grey jumper, and appearing before magistrates Joanne Corrigan and Yuki Beardmore-Gray, he was remanded in custody.

The court heard Minards was in an ‘on-off’ relationship with Ms McArthur.

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Minards, from Thatcham, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court (pictured) on Monday accused of her murder

Prosecution counsel Shane Hauschild said: ‘The victim Emma McArthur was aged 43 years and a mother-of-two children.

‘The defendant and the victim were known to one another, they had met on Facebook in June 2019.

‘Paramedics arrived and administered life support but despite their best efforts the victim was pronounced deceased at 12.47am. The defendant was later arrested on suspicion of murder.’

On joining the army a decade ago, Minards was deployed with 4th Rifles and the Welsh Regiment in Iraq.

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