A mother-of-two has been photographed for the first time after being accused of murdering a male model who was left in the middle of a road.
Luke Harden, 36, was found lying in a street in Bacup last Saturday, November 1, around 12:35 p.m. after leaving a social club.
Mr Harden, a model known professionally as Duke, was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics to save him.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Sunday but his exact cause of death is still unknown.
Natalie Chadwick, 27, is one of two people charged with Mr. Harden’s murder.
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Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, known locally as Nick, is also charged.
Both Chadwick and Matabiswana appeared before Preston Crown Court via video link on Friday.
The pair spoke only to confirm their identities. Judge Robert Altham, Preston’s honorary recorder, set a date for a trial in April 2026.
Mr Harden was described as ‘special’ and ‘beautiful’ by his family in a touching tribute.
His relatives said in a statement: ‘There are no words to describe how devastated we all are. We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him.
‘He is and will remain special to all of us, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend and friend.
“You will forever be in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing that we can close our eyes and your beautiful face will always smile back at us.
“Rest in peace, our beautiful Luke, until we meet again.”
Mr Harden worked for Nemesis Model Agency, a company based in Manchester.
A Facebook statement said: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce the untimely death of one of our favorite models LUKE HARDEN.
“Luke had been a Nemesis model since 2013 and was loved by everyone who met him and respected everyone who worked with him.”
Both Chadwickof Hamerton Street, Bacup, and Matabiswana, of St James Street, Bacup, have been remanded in custody and will both appear in court on December 15 for a plea.
Detectives continue to piece together the events leading up to Mr. Harden’s death.
Anyone with doorbell or dashcam footage, or who was drinking at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on October 31, is urged to come forward with information.
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