A family doctor has denied murdering an elderly cancer patient.

Howard Martin, 70, faced Teesside Crown Court yesterday accused of killing of Harry Gittins, 74.

Dr Martin is alleged to have administered a lethal dose of diamorphine to Mr Gittins, of Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, on January 22 this year.

Dr Martin was arrested at The Cobblers Hall Surgery in Newton Aycliffe where he practices.

He was suspended by the general medical Council without prejudice pending the outcome of court proceedings.

The doctor was bailed to his home in Beech Road, Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd, North Wales, until the start of his trial in march of next year.