Ivan Esack (right) is accused of murdering estranged wife Natalie Esack

by Keith Hunt

An ex-detective has denied murdering his estranged hairdresser wife when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Ivan Esack, of Rosewood Drive, Ashford, is accused of stabbing 33-year-old Natalie Esack to death in her Ashford salon.

Judge Jeremy Carey set a trial date of December 10 and remanded the 38-year-old in custody. The trial is expected to last 10 days.

Wearing a brown Lacoste shirt and jeans, Esack spoke only to be identified and to enter his not guilty plea.

He was flanked by two woman dock officers and stared straight ahead throughout the brief hearing.

Natalie died of multiple stab wounds in Esack Hair and Beauty on Monday April 30.

It is understood Natalie, who had been married to Ivan Esack for about eight years, was in the salon with a 17-year-old employee.

Police forensics officers at Esack Hair and Beauty. Picture: Andy Clark

Officers were called to the salon, in Ashford High Street, by paramedics at 9.40am.

Ivan Esack - a former Kent Police detective turned football agent - was arrested an hour later at the couple's home in the town on suspicion of murder.

Emergency workers, including a crew from the Kent Air Ambulance, had fought to save Natalie’s life, but she did not respond to treatment.

A police cordon was thrown around Natalie and Ivan Esack's house in Rosewood Drive, Ashford

It is believed the couple had recently been living apart after Natalie moved out of their home in March.

The couple are not thought to have had any children together.

Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the salon.
One card read: "You were the best friend I could ever ask for.

"Just seeing your beautiful face everyday made me happy. Thank you for everything. Love you always angel."

Shop workers comfort each other after stabbing at hairdressers' in Ashford