Man accused of murdering Leeds student refuses to leave his cell for court hearing

By Olivia Russell
A murder charge has been made, following the death of Bethany Fields, 21, who was found with a stab wound in Huddersfield town centre last week.
The incident occurred around 6:12pm Thursday last week on Fitzwilliam Street. Emergency services were present, but Bethany was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining serious injuries.
Paul Crowther, 35, of Elm Way, in Birstall has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. But has not entered pleas.
He was due to appear at Leeds Crown Court this morning (Tuesday) from custody, but has refused to leave his cell for the court hearing.
Bethany was a high attaining student, studying Environmental Geography at The University of Leeds, having gone on previous trips to Iceland and the Canary Islands to study glacier melts and volcanoes.
West Yorkshire Police say Crowther has been remanded in custody following his arrest.
Prosecuter, Mark McKone told the court “He has elected not to attend court today”.
Crowther has been ordered to remain in custody until the next hearing.
Following the police update, Bethany’s family issued the following tribute statement:
“The life of Bethany, who was beautiful, talented, ambitious and intelligent had her life tragically taken away from her”.
They added:
“Bethany had a bright future ahead of her”
“She was musically gifted, starting working on a music mentoring course, and during the holidays worked in a music studio. More recently, she worked with a charitable organisation for people with physical and learning difficulties. Through this, she brought much joy and pleasure to people’s lives’’.