THE head of a North-East security firm appeared in court yesterday charged with attempting to murder a former business partner.

George Doneathy, 34, is accused of trying to kill Martin Manderville, 38, with a sawn-off shotgun. It is alleged that Mr Manderville, now owner of another security firm, was blasted in the stomach through the window of his car at Preston Park, Stockton.

Mr Manderville has been in a critical condittion at North Tees General Hospital since the shooting on Tuesday.

Mr Doneathy, a father of four, of Appley Close, Eaglescliffe, near Yarm, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court, in Middlesbrough, and was remanded in custody for one week.