A TEENAGER has made his first appearance at Crown Court charged with the murder of a schoolgirl.

Ronald Pattinson, 18, is accused of killing 12-year-old Natalie Ruddick at her home on the new Mills Estate, Newcastle, on March 5.

No plea was taken during the short hearing at Newcastle yesterday and Mr Pattinson was remanded in custody.

Mr Pattinson, of Belsay Place, Arthur's Hill, Newcastle, will appear again on June 9.

Natalie had been off school on the day of her death as she felt unwell. She was found with stab wounds at her home in Frosterley Place, by her sister.