A TRIAL date has been set for a man charged with the murder of a transgender woman.

Martin Saberi handed himself in at Stoke Newington Police Station, in Hackney, London, on Monday.

He was charged with the murder of Amy Griffiths, from Droitwich, whose name was also given in court as Michael Griffiths.

The defendant failed to appear at Birmingham Crown Court today (Friday), however the hearing went ahead in his absence and a trial date was set for September 30.

Saberi, aged 53, will be tried at Worcester Crown Court, with his next pre-trial hearing due to take place on March 1.

Prosecutor Rachel Brand QC told Birmingham Crown Court yesterday that she believed Miss Griffiths had sustained cuts to her neck.

She added that the 51-year-old had also suffered blunt force head trauma and bone fractures.

Friends paid tribute to Miss Griffiths, following the discovery of her body at her home in Chalverton Court, Droitwich, on Monday.

Yesterday, Connor Turner, one of Miss Griffiths' friends, said she was a 'hero' in the local LGBT community.

He added: "She didn't have a selfish bone in her body. She helped me through some difficult times when I was younger.

"I knew her from when I was 15-years-old. I ended up on the streets for a bit. She found me outside a local shopping market and offered to cook me tea.

"Our friendship blossomed, she taught me how to love myself and care for myself. At the time I was coming out as bisexual.

"I was absolutely devastated when I heard about her death. I'm heartbroken."

The 21-year-old barman was told by a friend that Miss Griffiths used to be in the military and had also been married.

He said she helped people with their drag acts, frequented The Flag nightclub, in Lowesmoor, and loved cats, reptiles and air rifles.

Saberi was due to appear in Worcester Crown Court yesterday, however the case had to be moved to Birmingham because there were no judges available in Worcester.

The defendant has been remanded in custody.