A MAN accused of murdering his partner has made his first appearance before a judge in a video-link from prison.

Nigel John McLean did not enter a plea to the charge during yesterday’s ten-minute hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

The 40-year-old was told he will be taken from Durham Jail to attend court in July for a plea and directions hearing.

Judge Peter Fox, QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, also set a date for a trial, should Mr McLean plead not guilty.

Mr McLean was arrested last month when police were called to the home he shared with Julie Anne Mordue, 38.

Miss Mordue was taken from the house in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, with stab wounds, but died soon after.

The court was told that the screams of the mother-of-two could be heard during the afternoon 999 call to police..

Mr McLean had both wrists heavily bandaged and fidgeted in his seat during yesterday’s brief hearing.

It is alleged that he killed Miss Mordue at their home in Vicars Croft, near Norrthallerton town centre, on April 21.

Miss Mordue was taken to the Friarage Hospital, less than half a mile from her home, but medics were unable to save her.