MURDER CHARGE Woman, 54, charged with murder after landlord Matthew Bryant stabbed to death at his pub

POLICE have charged a woman with the murder of a pub landlord.

Stephane Langley, 54, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Medway Magistrates' Court later today.

She was arrested after 52-year-old Matthew Bryant was found with stab wounds outside his pub in Maidstone, Kent, at 6pm on Monday.

Tributes were paid earlier this week to Mr Bryant, who was discovered with life-threatening injuries outside the Hare and Hounds.

Kent Police announced this morning that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge of murder against Langley.

She has also been charged with possessing a knife in a public place.

Mr Bryant, thought to have bought the Hare and Hounds in 2015, ran it with his wife Caroline who has said: "My heart is broken."

The couple were planning to head off on a romantic getaway yesterday to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Friends described him as the "best landlord" and an "absolute gent".

Becky Whitehead wrote online: “R.I.P Matt. Love and thoughts to the family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Daniel Hoggart posted: “Absolute gent you always will be Matt.

I just don’t want to believe this.”

Mark Osborne said: "All my thoughts go out to all his family and friends heaven has got a true angel. R.I.P Matt."

Mr Bryant was recently hailed as hero after rushing to help save a punter's life.

He gave first aid to a man last year after a single punch had knocked him to the ground and smashed his head on concrete.