THE man accused of murdering Canvey mum Kelly Pearce will be held in custody over Christmas. 

Anthony Ayres appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning charged with murder. 

Kelly Pearce died at Royal London Hospital after being found with serious injuries at an address in Fairlop Avenue, Canvey, at around 4.55pm on Thursday, November 19.

An inquest into her death, which was opened today, revealed she died from a blow to the head and a stab wound to the neck.

Ayres, 48, of Fairlop Avenue, Canvey, did not enter a plea and will be held on remand until his next hearing on February 8. 

The court has scheduled his trial for May 3.