A DOCK worker is expected to enter a plea to a charge of murder tomorrow.

John Barry Durham, of Major Street, Darlington, is accused of stabbing 37-year-old bricklayer John Robertson at the weekend.

Mr Robertson, of Brinkburn Road, Darlington, was found bleeding to death in West Auckland Road - just yards from Cockerton Police Station, Darlington, on Saturday morning.

Thirty-three-year-old Mr Durham, a store worker at the Hareema shipyard in Hartlepool, made a brief appearance before Sedgefield magistrates yesterday.

Wearing a white jumper and grey, zip-up top, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

His solicitor, Graham Hunsley, made no application for bail and the defendant was remanded in custody.

Family and friends of both the accused and the victim watched the proceedings from the public gallery.

He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court, Middlesbrough, tomorrow, for a plea and directions hearing.

Dozens of floral tributes yesterday lined the spot where Mr Robertson was discovered.

Flowers and messages had been tied with string to the bollards which line the road.

One message said: "For John. A big lad with a big heart. Love you."