A MAN accused of killing his uncle told a relative he wanted somebody attacked just days before the murder, a jury has heard.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Simon Tannahill asked to borrow a baseball bat as he told his other uncle, John Davison, he needed somebody "sorting out".

Mr Davison said the 20-year-old had said the best time to attack the unnamed target would be while he was walking his dog and he also said he would have carried out the attack himself but had not had the chance.

Mr Button, a 53-year-old council electrician, had been out with his dog when he was found dying of head injuries in a country lane near his home in West Rainton, near Durham City.

Mr Davison said: "My mam told me George had an accident and they thought it was a traffic accident.

"She said he was out with his dog and that is the bit that blew me away.

"As soon as she said he was out with his dog it just hit home about the conversation me and Simon had."

The court heard how Mr Davison spoke to Mr Tannahill on the phone after Mr Button's death.

Mr Davison told the court how he contacted police and told them of the conversation with his nephew and they arranged for him to tape a conversation between them.

Mr Davison told the jury how Mr Tannahill said it was "just a coincidence" that George died when and how he did.

Prosecutors claim Mr Tannahill carried out the killing for his aunt Christina Button.

Mrs Button and Mr Tannahill both deny murder in March.

The trial continues.