A WOMAN and her nephew have appeared in court charged with the murder of her husband who was found dying in a country lane.

Christina Button, 31, and Simon Tannahill, 20, are accused of killing 53-year-old George Button, on March 3.

Mr Button died in hospital two days after being found lying on a roadside verge near West Rainton, County Durham. He had been walking his dog.

The pair were arrested at the home Mr Button shared with his wife in St Mary's Drive, West Rainton.

No pleas were taken during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday and they were remanded in custody until their next appearance on May 30.