This is the man accused of stabbing his mum to death behind a pub in Kirkby.
Karen Dempsey, 55, was found with a stab wound to the chest following an incident outside the Brambles pub on Cherryfield Drive in Kirkby at around 8.10pm on Monday (August 22). She was rushed to hospital where she died a short time later.
Merseyside Police have charged Karen's son Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Brechin Road, Kirkby with her murder. He appeared before magistrates in Liverpool today .
READ MORE: Nan stabbed to death was community champion who helped thousands of people
He wore a grey polo shirt and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing before District Judge Wendy Lloyd. He was not asked to enter a plea to the charge - or counts of wounding with intent, affray and possession of a bladed article in a public place - and will now be brought before Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow, Friday.
A 38-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and s18 wounding is being questioned by police.
A local man told the ECHO that Karen was in the Brambles pub on Monday evening to watch Liverpool FC and Manchester United. Floral tributes to Karen have been left at the scene this week.
Karen's family said she was a "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room". They added: "Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.
"Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people's lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby."
Karen's places of work have now come forward to pay tribute to the 55-year-old. The Women's Organisation said Karen worked as part of the Kirkby Unemployed Centre, where she helped the community. They said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Karen Dempsey.
"We worked with Karen while she was part of Kirkby Unemployed Centre where she passionately served her community. Another senseless murder on our city streets. Another innocent life taken. This must stop."
A community centre in south west Lancashire also paid tribute to the 55-year-old, calling her a "women’s champion, life-long activist and advocate for the rights of local people". The South West Lancashire Independent Community Centre, in Skelmersdale, said Karen joined their benefit, debt and IT advice charity in 2019.
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