A MAN accused of butchering a woman and hiding her dismembered body in a coal house has appeared in court.
William Johnstone, 27, spoke only to confirm his name during the short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday. He is accused of murdering Sandra Black, 39, between September 21 and September 25.
The body of Ms Black, who had lived at a number of addresses in Sunderland and Gateshead in the past 14 years,was found in the coal bunker at a house in Gateshead.
Mr Johnstone, of Cambourne Grove, Gateshead, was remanded in custody until a plea and directions hearing next year.
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