AN inquest has been opened into the death of an 80-year-old grandmother who was found dead in a garden in Darlington.

Sybil Sibthorpe died at an end-terrace house in Haughton Road, Darlington, on Wednesday, May 8.

The mother-of-two was found in the garden of the property and paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found she died as a result of head injuries.

Lee Grainger, of St George’s Hall, Elmfield, Darlington, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, May 13 charged with her murder.

The 41-year-old was remanded in custody and will return to court on July 26 for a plea and case management hearing. A provisional trial date has been set for October 21.

Two other suspects – both local and aged 44 and 33 – were arrested, but both were released without charge.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle today (Thursday, May 23) opened and adjourned an inquest into Mrs Sibthorpe’s death at Crook Civic Centre, County Durham, to allow for further investigation.

Following her death, her husband, William Sibthorpe, described Mrs Sibthorpe as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who has loved by all who knew her.