Man in court over murder at McDonald's

A man aged 20 will appear in court today charged with the murder of a McDonald's restaurant supervisor at a children's birthday party.

Jackie Marshall, 57, of Southbourne, West Sussex, who had worked for the fastfood chain for 15 years, was stabbed to death as she looked after the party in Chichester on Saturday lunchtime.

Shane Freer, a former McDonald's employee from Batchmere, West Sussex, will appear before Chichester magistrates.

Mrs Marshall, a grandmother who had been married for more than 35 years, was pronounced dead at hospital.

A spokeswoman added: "Mrs Marshall had a very close-knit family and organised children's parties.

"She was very well-known in the local area. She did a lot of charity work."

A McDonald's spokesman said Mrs Marshall was "a much- loved, valued and respected member of our team" and the company was "shocked and horrified" by her death.

"We will be offering counselling to all employees affected by these tragic events," he said.