A HUSBAND charged with the murder of his wife could face trial before a jury next year, a court heard today [Thursday].

It comes after tragic Simone Grainger was found dead at her home in Windsor Way, Calcot, last Saturday after suffering severe head injuries.

Her husband Steven Grainger, aged 32, was charged with a single count of murder.

Grainger, sporting a red tracksuit jumper, appeared at Reading Crown Court via video link today [Thursday] and spoke only to confirm his name.

He did not enter a plea and a provisional trial date has been set for April 30, 2018.

Judge Johannah Cutts said: "This is the very early stage of this case. We are simply setting out a time table to make sure papers are served to your solicitors as soon as they should be.

"We can then work towards the trial date which has been set at April 30.

"There will be a further case management hearing. That will take place on February 7 next year."

Mourners paid tribute to 30-year-old Simone in the wake of her death.

Rows of flowers lined the outside of her home this week.

A tribute from Mrs Grainger's family reads: "We are a family lost in grief on an unprecedented scale.

"Anyone who new Simone will share our loss and feel the anguish and pain that has ripped through us all at this time.

"We miss you so much Simone, your smile and spirit will never leave us.

"Rest in peace Angel."