RELATIVES and friends of an alleged murder victim packed a Lancashire court when a teenage girl charged with stabbing him to death appeared for the first time.
Around 40 members of Mohammed Nadeem's extended family plus friends occupied the public gallery for the two minute hearing at Hyndburn Magistrates Court.
Police lined the courtroom to ensure there was no trouble as the 19-year-old accused, Kelly Jane Hyslop, shook and sobbed uncontrollably in the dock.
Kelly, Mr Nadeem's ex-girlfriend, is accused of murdering him at her home in Commercial Road, Great Harwood.
Nadeem, aged 28, of Steiner Street, Accrington, died of stab wounds on the night of 19 February this year.
Hyslop, who previously lived in Marlborough Road, Accrington, was remanded in custody and as she left the dock she was heckled by men in the public gallery.
After the hearing Sergeant Dave Reddin, from Great Harwood police said: "We maintained a strong police presence today to ensure law and order was kept in court."
Police had been called to Hyslop's address at 11 pm on the night of the Mr Nadeem's death and cordoned off the area while a forensic examination of the crime scene was carried out.
An inquest into his death had been opened and adjourned.
East Lancashire Coroner, Richard Taylor, said a post mortem examination had confirmed Mr Nadeem died from stab wounds.
A full inquest will be held at a later date.
A plea and directions hearing has been set for 5 May at Preston Crown Court.