A MAN has this morning appeared in court charged with the kidnap and manslaughter of 17-year-old Darlington student Ashleigh Hall.

Shaven-headed Peter Chapman, 32, of no fixed address was brought before Newton Aycliffe magistrates.

No plea was entered to the charges of manslaughter, kidnap and failing to notify of a change of address as required for sex offenders under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and repled 'no' when asked if he had an address.

No application was made for bail.

He will next appear before Teesside Crown Court on November 3.

The body of Ashleigh, 17, of Warwick Square, Darlington, was found in a field near Sedgfield, County Durham, on Monday night.

* The results of a post mortem examination carried out on Ashleigh have failed to determine the cause of her death.

Police said today the results were 'inconclusive' and that further tests will be carried out.