AN investigation into a fire which killed a mother-of-two in her home is now a murder case, The Northern Echo can reveal.

David McCabe is charged with murdering Teresa Ryan within hours of her returning from a meal to mark her 50th birthday.

The 32-year-old appeared in court today to deny the allegation, and is set to face a two-week trial in the New Year.

It is alleged he deliberately started a fire in the house in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, to cover up a burglary.

The prosecution say he had a confrontation with Mrs Ryan as he stole her handbag, cigarettes and mobile telephone.

It is said Mr McCabe started a fire in bedding as he fled from the house on the night of July 9 this year.

Devastated relatives said in a statement after the discovery that they were "deeply traumatised" by her sudden death.

They told how she was “extremely proud” of her two sons, Steven and David, and how, when she was younger, she enjoyed clubbing, music and dancing and loved to socialise.

In the statement, the family said that, despite illness, Mrs Ryan had been “determined to keep her independence and live life to the full.”

It added: “We are all deeply traumatised by what has happened. On the night she died, we had been out for a meal as a family to celebrate her 50th birthday.

“What was a happy celebration of a key milestone in her life has now turned out to be catastrophic and we are left wondering how and why this has happened.

“Only recently she had been talking about going away and was looking forward to a holiday abroad.

“She has been taken far too soon; there is so much more she should be looking forward to. She will be deeply missed by the whole family.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.”

Mr McCabe, of Barrington Crescent, Middlesbrough, denies two burglaries at the Wharton Street property, and the murder charge.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court today for a ten-minute heating via a video-link from Holme House Prison, Stockton.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, remanded him in custody, and set a date of January 13 for the beginning of the trial.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds told the court: "This development was anticipated quite some time ago."

Scott Taylor, defending, said he is awaiting reports from fire investigators, a toxicologist and a pathologist.

Judge Bourne-Arton said: "In the course of a fire which took place, the deceased, Teresa Ryan, died.

"The Crown have hitherto not been in a position to lay a count of murder against Mr McCabe due to their not having sufficient and necessary expert evidence.

"They now have that evidence, and having considered the reports they have available, they are in a position to lay a count of murder which they have done."