A man from Kent has appeared in court charged with murdering a pensioner.

Darren Martin Jackson, formerly of Deal, is accused of killing 67-year-old Irene Lawless in a tiny Welsh village.

The body of Ms Lawless, who lived alone, was found at her home in Llanllwni, Carmarthenshire, on Monday.

Jackson, 26, was arrested in Kent on Tuesday and appeared before magistrates this morning.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, February 7.

Ms Lawless, pictured above, was described locally as a "well-liked and independent lady".

Her son Jason described her as "a loving mother and grandmother, a really peaceful person who loved the garden, animals and her paintings".

Ms Lawless' brother Phil said: "She was a decent sort, a good sister to have."

Jackson, who is said to have lived in a number of addresses in Kent, is thought to have recently moved to Llanllwni.