A man accused of murdering his wife of 18 years made his first crown court appearance yesterday.

Michael Luke, 45, dressed in a T-shirt and grey cardigan, was accompanied in the dock by three nursing staff from West Park mental health hospital, in Darlington.

He is accused of killing his 37-year-old wife Johanna Luke, who was found dead with severe head injuries at her home in Priory Gardens, Willington, County Durham, on Sunday, August 28.

Mr Luke appeared unsteady and distant and spoke only to confirm his name during the six minute hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it would file the case against the defendant within five weeks and a plea and case management hearing was set for November 11.

Jamie Hill, defending, said bail had been granted by magistrates because his client needed close supervision in hospital.

Judge Michael Taylor agreed to renew bail under the same terms. It is expected the case will come before the court again on Thursday or Friday this week.

A psychiatrist will address the judge about Mr Luke's condition with a view to him being detained under a hospital order and moved from Darlington to St Luke's hospital, in Middlesbrough.

The case was adjourned.