Man Charged in 2020 Death of Tattoo Artist Georgina Ward Appears in Court
Dudley, UK – Daniel Birtwistle, 39, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, appeared via video link at Dudley Magistrates Court on Thursday morning facing charges related to the death of 24-year-old tattoo artist Georgina Ward. Ward was found dead at her Dudley home in November 2020.
Birtwistle, who only confirmed his name and date of birth during the brief hearing, has been charged with manslaughter, two counts of controlling and coercive behavior, and three counts of assault relating to his relationship with Ward between August 2019 and November 2020.
He also faces six additional counts of assault and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour concerning three other women.
Ward’s family described her as a “brilliant, creative and talented” artist with a promising future. In a statement, they said, “Georgina was a remarkable young woman…a daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend who brought laughter and light into the lives of those she touched.” They continued, “Georgina loved deeply and unconditionally…Her capacity for empathy, and compassion…was immeasurable.”
Magistrates granted Birtwistle bail with conditions including a restriction on contacting the three other alleged victims, a requirement to reside at a specified address, and surrender of his passport to police.
Birtwistle did not enter a plea and is scheduled to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 13 for a plea and case management hearing.
