The parents of Sally Sinclair, the murdered mobile phone executive, today paid tribute to their “caring and delightful” daughter.

Ms Sinclair’s mother, Nicolette Alford, said that her daughter was a “wonderful” parent who had worked tirelessly to give her children, 9-year-old twins Alexander and Christopher, a happy life.

Alisdair Sinclair, Ms Sinclair’s husband, was this afternoon charged with her murder. He is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

Ms Alford, from Coombe Bissett, near Salisbury, Wilts, said Ms Sinclair, 40, the head of business analysis with Vodafone, had been the most caring person she knew. “Even if she was upset or unhappy, she would always think of others first and offer sympathy and support.

“She didn’t want people to worry about her, so she would keep her troubles to herself, whilst putting on a brave face for the rest of the world."

She added: “I cannot think of anybody who would have a bad word to say about her, wherever she went, school, college, employment, she was always popular, people just wanted to be her friend.”

Ms Sinclair’s stepfather, Barry Alford, said: “We will remember Sally as being caring, hardworking, intelligent and delightful to know. She was dedicated to her twin boys and sacrificed a lot to keep them happy.

“She has achieved so much in her life and was about to embark on a new course when her life was cruelly taken from her. We miss her so much.”

Mr Sinclair is reported to have sold second-hand cars from the property the couple rented near Amport. As police continued their investigations at the secluded house, eight vehicles including two high-powered sports cars, were parked in the driveway.

Neighbours said the family were very private, did not socialise and the house looked deserted with the curtains always drawn.

Matthew Brearley, human resources director of Vodafone UK, said that Mrs Sinclair had been with the company since 1994 and worked in the firm’s headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire.

He added: “Sally will be deeply missed by her colleagues here at Vodafone. Our sympathy goes out to Sally’s family and friends.”

Hampshire Police said today: “Detectives have this afternoon, Tuesday, August 19, charged a man with the murder of Mrs Sally Sinclair.

“Alisdair George Sinclair, 47, from Georgia Lane, Amport near Andover, remains in police custody and will appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.”

He confirmed that a post-mortem examination conducted by a Home Office pathologist at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital Winchester on Sunday had shown that Mrs Sinclair died of stab wounds.

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