FATHER accused of killing his baby son made his first court appearance over the weekend.

Lee Clark was released on bail after appearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in Peterlee, County Durham on Saturday morning.

During the 20 minute hearing, Mr Clark, 27, who was wearing a grey polo shirt and jeans, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He is accused of the manslaughter of five-month-old Charlee Cameron Clark.

Charlee was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital with serious head injuries on February 25 last year.

The infant, who lived with his parents at a house on Neville Close in Gainford, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, was rushed to a specialist unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment.

The child died from his injuries the following Tuesday, March 1, prompting the arrest of Mr Clark and an 11-month long police investigation.

He answered his bail on Friday, and was then charged by police.

Mr Clark’s bail conditions mean he must now live at the home of a family member in Fife, Scotland, and report every Wednesday lunch time to Cowdenbeath Police Station.

He will remain on the conditional bail until his next court appearance, which is due to take place at Newcastle Crown Court on the morning of Wednesday, February 8.