The man accused of murdering his former partner inside a Joondalup courtroom showed little emotion as he appeared in court dressed in a forensic jumpsuit on Wednesday morning.
Paul Turner fronted Perth Magistrates Court after Tuesday's alleged attack on Sarah Thomas, his ex-partner and mother of their two young children.
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Woman stabbed in Joondalup court
A woman in her 30s died after she was stabbed at Joondalup court on Tuesday morning. Vision: Nine News Perth.
The 40-year-old accused, from Quinns Rock, said nothing during the appearance, simply nodding to indicate he understood the charge.
The pair were in Joondalup Court for a mediation hearing when Mr Turner stabbed the 33-year-old, police say.
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Paramedics performed emergency first aid on Ms Thomas at the scene before rushing her to Joondalup Hospital but she was unable to be revived.
Friends and relatives paid tribute to the mother of two on Wednesday, whose children are believed to be aged seven and four.
"What an angel and a true legend you were Sarah," one friend posted online.
"Taken my breath away tonight, so so sorry to hear, thoughts are with her family, good friends and two gorgeous children," another wrote.
"I can't even fathom it, I'm so sorry to hear this devastating news. An extremely beautiful person taken far too soon."
"You were an absolute pleasure to work with, an amazing friend and an even better mum to your children," wrote another.
Mr Turner was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to appear in Stirling Garden Magistrates Court on January 11.
On Wednesday the Transport Workers Union of WA said staff at Joondalup Court had been assaulted as recently as two weeks ago.
The TWU said its Court Security and Custodial Services Officers had been left shaken by the incident and say the stabbing death of Ms Thomas could have been prevented.
"All the court officers at Joondalup were deeply traumatised by the incident that occurred yesterday" said TWU state secretary Tim Dawson.
"Joondalup courthouse does not have a security checkpoint. The courthouse relies solely on the security staff who work there. Inadequate funding by the State Government into this vital service puts the public and security staff in greater risk from incidents like these".
Mr Dawson said two weeks ago Joondalup court staff were assaulted and one was also bitten.
In a statement the union said they wanted the State Government to invest in security screening and metal detectors in all court houses to help protect the public and security staff.
"We also call on the State Government to offer counselling services to all...employees affected by the incident," the statement added.