Mark Spalding, 45, of Kestrel Close, Ayton, Washington, appeared before Sunderland magistrates today (Monday November 5) charged with murder.

Mr Spalding is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Andrew Lucas to death at the weekend.

Mr Lucas was found by ambulance crews near his home in Washington’s Warkworth Close on Saturday morning. 

He had been stabbed and died shortly after arriving at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

Mr Spalding was remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.