A woman who died after a suspected attack in sheltered accommodation had multiple injuries but the cause of her death is not yet known, a coroners' court heard.

An inquest has been opened into the death of 59-year-old Jane Collinson whose body was found dead at Bowes Lyon House in Dunelm Court, Barnard Castle, at teatime on Saturday March 4.

One of the neighbours, Stephen Patrick Ansbro, is accused of murdering Ms Collinson and is currently remanded into custody ahead of his trial.

The Northern Echo: Jane CollinsonJane Collinson (Image: Contributor)

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The inquest was opened at Crook Coroners’ Court on Friday by Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield.

In her statement, Stephanie Clough, a coroner's officer employed by Durham County Council, said: “I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Collinson was found deceased at her home address on March 4, 2023, and had multiple injuries.

“On March 6, 2023, Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle RVI mortuary and gave the cause of death as ‘unascertained pending histology and toxicology’.”

The hearing was told Ms Collinson, who was born in Grimesthorpe, Barnsley, had been formally identified by her son accompanied by a police officer.

Emergency services were called to the complex, which provides supported housing for people aged 55 and older, at around 6pm but Ms Collinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The Northern Echo: Police were called to Bowes Lyon House in Dunelm Court, Barnard CastlePolice were called to Bowes Lyon House in Dunelm Court, Barnard Castle (Image: Northern Echo)

The facility, made up of 28 one and two-bedroom flats, is operated by Home Group, who said support was being offered other to residents.

Ansbro, 60, was arrested and charged following interviews with detectives.

He appeared in a wheelchair in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court before the case was sent to the city’s crown court.

He subsequently appeared by video link from Durham Prison where he is being held on remand.

The charge was not formally put to him but Judge Paul Sloan, The Recorder of Newcastle, and counsel for the Crown and defence agreed on a trial date.

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It was given a fixture at the court, starting on Monday, July 31, with a seven-day time estimate.

The court heard Ansbro’s barristers will seek the preparation of a psychiatric report to assess his mental state.

A plea hearing was scheduled by the judge for Wednesday, April 5.