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 council worker George Button, who suffered fatal injuries while out walking his dog on March 3.

Mr Button died in hospital two days after being found lying in a roadside verge near West Rainton, County Durham.

The pair were arrested at the home Mr Button shared with his wife in St Mary's Drive, West Rainton, after a police investigation into the death.

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