A JUDGE has branded a murder prosecution a shambles after the case was dropped and reopened minutes later.

The case against Paul Northey, who is accused of killing former partner Kathryn Cook, was briefly discontinued yesterday on a legal technicality.

But Northey was recharged almost immediately and is expected to re-appear before magistrates next week.

Judge Esmond Faulks, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, told Northey: “Your QC has said it is a shambles and I agree.”

Northey, formerly of Wylam Road, Stanley, County Durham, previously admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is serving an eight-year prison sentence for the offence.

But three days after he was jailed for attacking Ms Cook, at a house in Stanley on June 25, 2008, the 44-year-old victim, who had never regained consciousness having suffered serious head injuries, had her life-support machine switched off and died.

Northey, 40, was then charged with her murder.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had not obtained the necessary consent of the Attorney General to do so. Agreement has now been reached, but must be in place before a charge is made, the court heard yesterday.

Amanda Rippon, prosecuting, said that if the case had gone ahead, it could have led to an appeal. It meant the case was discontinued, only for Northey to be charged again.

Toby Hedworth QC, for Northey, said: “The situation is a complete shambles and has been for several weeks.”

Judge Faulks told Northey: “All this may seem very odd to you. Do not get your hopes up – they are only discontinuing for purely technical reasons.

They are proposing to recharge you as soon as possible.”

No one from the CPS was available for comment last night.

Ms Cook, 44, of Penshaw Gardens, Stanley, was said to have been a caring, friendly woman and devoted mother.

Northey, who had been expected to enter a plea to the initial murder charge yesterday, is expected to face trial in March.