Family share emotional tribute to comedy legend Tommy Cooper’s niece Sabrina – as man, 59, being held for her ‘murder’

THE family of Tommy Cooper’s niece have paid tribute after she was found dead at their home.

Sabrina Cooper, 68, was reportedly spotted “covered in blood” in the hallway of her Eastbourne flat on Sunday.

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Tony King, 59, who she knew, was charged with murder and possession of an assault weapon in a public place.

Sabrina’s “devastated” family have now paid tribute to the “beloved” grandma, who was comedian Tommy Cooper’s niece.

They said: “For the past two years, Sabrina has not been well, but in true Sabrina style, she has bravely faced her illness.

“Sabrina was recovering from recent surgery and had made a full recovery looking forward to a new and exciting new beginning in a new home to move into early next year.

“Sabrina wasn’t a complicated person, in fact it was the simple things in life that she loved most, her family, friends and of course her dogs.

“Christmas was Sabrina’s favorite time of the year. She always prepared early enough, wrapped gifts, made plans and decorated her house. For her, it was a time of joy and a time to celebrate with her family and friends.”

The devastated family said the “loving and dedicated” mum Sabrina was popular in Eastbourne and enjoyed walking her dogs.

They added: “She was loved by so many and the tributes paid to her in recent days are a testament to that.

“Like us, their dogs Abra and Tricks can’t understand what happened as they stare at the door and expect Sabrina to come back.

“We know this will never happen, we will never again share jokes, silly stories or any reason to just have a good laugh.”

Police were brought to Sabrina’s home because of concerns for a woman’s well-being.

Tragically, she could not be rescued and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through her father David, who was Tommy’s brother, Sabrina was related to comedian and magician Tommy, who died on stage of a heart attack in 1984.

She ran Cooper’s Magic Shops in Eastbourne until it closed in 2017.

King was remanded in custody when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday.

No pleas were filed, with a tentative hearing date set for June 19.

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