THE man accused of killing teenager Ashleigh Hall made his first appearance before a judge today on charges of manslaughter, kidnap and failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

Peter Chapman, 32, appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a live video-link from Frankland Prison in Durham, where he has been held since being charged by police last week.

The ten-minute hearing - during which Mr Chapman spoke just twice, to confirm his name and acknowledge that he could hear proceedings - was conducted by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, QC.

Another hearing will be held on January 4 when Mr Chapman, of no fixed address, is likely to be asked to enter pleas to the three charges he faces.

Bespectacled Mr Chapman, who appeared unshaven and dressed in a grey sweatshirt over a light blue T-shirt, sat with his head bowed throughout the hearing.

He is charged with kidnapping and killing trainee nanny Ashleigh, whose body was found dumped in a ditch on farmland near Sedgefield, County Durham.

The 17-year-old Darlington College student had gone missing the night before, after telling her mother she was going to stay overnight at the home of a friend.

Mr Chapman, who also faces a charge of failing to notify a new address as required by the Sex Offenders Act, was remanded in custody until the new year by Judge Fox.