Victim was following a dream

Charlie Smith had always dreamed of becoming a midwife and was halfway through realising her ambition when she was throttled to death by a man who she thought was a friend.Planning to enjoy a Saturday night in with her partner of 11 years, James Salmon, at their home in Malinslee, Telford, the mother-of-two never realised how a visit to Philip Jervois's flat to swop DVDs would lead her to her death.

Miss Smith's two young daughters have had the chance to grow up with their mum taken away from them.

The horrific details of how the "beautiful" 27-year-old was brutally murdered by Jervois, described as a loner who lived in a dirty flat, drank all day and had not washed for weeks, will stay with her family forever.

Miss Smith's mother, Janice Harris-Smith and her two other daughters, Samantha Preece, 34, and Kamina Smith, 23, said they would still never know why Jervois launched the attack on their loved one.

Miss Smith's family said despite troubled teenage years, which she deeply regretted, Miss Smith had "turned her life around" and was enjoying the happiest time of her life when she was killed. She legally changed her name from Karis to Charlie in 2000 so she "could leave her past behind her".

She was working for a care agency at the time of her death because she loved looking after others. She walked to all of her clients' homes because she had not yet passed her driving test.

Paying tribute to her beloved daughter, Mrs Harris-Smith said: "Charlie would talk to anybody. She was chatty and very funny but very strong willed.

"Charlie was a natural mother. She was so happy."

The heartbroken family said Miss Smith's naivety had lead her to her death as she saw the good in everyone.

Miss Smith's older sister, Mrs Preece, said: "Charlie was naive and I think that's been her downfall. She's been too trusting."

Mrs Harris-Smith added: "As she said to Jimmy before going there, he's harmless. If only she knew."

The family said Miss Smith's two young daughters did not know what had happened to their mother as they were desperately trying to shield them from the awful truth.

But one day they know questions will be asked and dread the day when they will have to give the heartbreaking answer.

Mrs Preece said: "Charlie loved her children but also loved all children. She would bath and massage the girls.

"She was a real character. She had done a variety of courses because she just loved learning."

In a family tribute, her mother, father, Tony Garrington, and two sisters said they would never get over her death.

"Charlie was an extraordinary person, she always saw the good in everyone no matter what walk of life they came from. She stuck up for what she believed in and wasn't afraid to speak up for herself.

"She had many friends who speak highly of her. Her unique, warm personality shone out. She was bubbly, optimistic and very caring," the family said.

"Her ambition was to be a midwife, a role that would have really suited her. Sadly she didn't get the opportunity to finish her course and realise her dream.

"Motherhood really suited her, she was a natural mother and always wanted the best for them. Her loss has had a devastating effect on them and all the family."

The family wished to thank West Mercia police officers and family liaison officers for their support, Mr Stephen Linehan QC who prosecuted the case and vital witnesses, including Charlie Ward, who came forward to give evidence.

Special report by Kirsty Marston